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Fatigue in cancer patients
E M Smets1, B Garssen, A L Schuster-Uitterhoeve
1Department of Medical Psychology, Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
British Journal of Cancer
|August 1, 1993
Summary
Cancer patients frequently experience fatigue, a complex symptom often measured inadequately. This review discusses its assessment, mechanisms, and interventions for cancer-related fatigue.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Psycho-oncology
- Symptom Management
Background:
- Cancer-related fatigue is a prevalent and distressing symptom impacting patient quality of life.
- Current assessment methods often fail to capture the multi-dimensional nature of fatigue.
- Existing research highlights the need for standardized and specific measurement tools.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of current knowledge regarding fatigue in cancer patients.
- To discuss the measurement of cancer-related fatigue, including specific instruments.
- To explore proposed mechanisms and potential interventions for managing cancer-related fatigue.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on cancer-related fatigue.
- Discussion of measurement tools and their application in cancer populations.
- Analysis of proposed somatic and psychological mechanisms underlying fatigue.
Main Results:
- Approximately 70% of cancer patients report fatigue during treatment (radiotherapy or chemotherapy).
- Persistent fatigue is observed in some patients long after treatment completion.
- Somatic and psychological factors contribute to cancer-related fatigue.
Conclusions:
- Cancer-related fatigue is a multi-dimensional symptom requiring appropriate measurement.
- Interventions are needed to alleviate persistent fatigue in cancer survivors.
- Further research should consider comparative populations and response-shift phenomena for accurate reporting.