Prevalence and Predictors of Cancer-Related Fatigue in Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema Patients: A Cross-Sectional...

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is the most common symptom of cancer patients. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of CRF among patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) and to indentify the factors associated with its occurrence.

In this cross-sectional study, women with BCRL (N = 260) were recruited from the three general hospitals. Lymphedema status was determined using the Norman telephone questionnaire as the patient-reported occurrence of hand/lower arm/upper arm swelling. CRF status was assessed using the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue questionnaire. Multiple binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with CRF.

The median time from BC diagnosis was 29 months (interquartile range, 15.0-62.0 months). The prevalence of CRF among BCRL patients was 88.46%. The median sedentary time was 245 min/day (IQR: 150-330min/day), and 34.23% of the patients did not meet the moderate-intensity physical activity level. Abnormal postoperative wound healing status, radiotherapy, hormonal therapy, lymphedema severity and failure to meet moderate-intensity physical activity level were associated with an increased risk of CRF.

CRF is highly prevalent among patients with BCRL. Targeted interventions aimed at promoting moderate-intensity physical activity and improving long-term symptom management may help alleviate fatigue.