Fatigue in patients with cancer

Abstract

Cancer-related fatigue is regarded as one of the most distressing symptoms that people with cancer experience, outranking nausea, vomiting and hair loss. Contributing factors include, but are not limited to; chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, bone marrow transplantation, cytokines and anemia (Witt & Murray-Edwards 2002). Fatigue has been reported to occur in 70% to 100% of cancer patients and has negative implications on quality of life. In light of this knowledge, this descriptive, non-experimental research study aims to explore the fatigue experienced by persons receiving treatment for cancer. A quota sample consisting of 12 individuals attending for treatment at a local oncology out-patients' department was selected to participate in the study. The findings of this local study suggest that fatigue is highly prevalent amongst individuals attending for cancer treatment on an out-patient basis, especially amongst patients receiving chemotherapy. Fatigue was found to interfere mostly with work, mood, general activity and walking ability. The possible occurrence of fatigue had not been discussed with the majority of patients prior to commencing, or throughout the duration of treatment. It is therefore recommended that staff and patients are better informed of the possibility of fatigue occurrence and how to overcome its symptoms. This process could be aided by means of a patient information leaflet. Attention needs to be focused upon the treatment of fatigue, including the correction of low hemoglobin levels and emphasizing the beneficent effect of exercise upon fatigue.