Prevalence and Correlates of Cancer-related Fatigue in Breast Cancer Survivors

Overview

Journal Support Care Cancer

Specialties Critical Care
Oncology

Date 2021 Apr 28

PMID 33909147

Citations 15

Authors

Alejandro Alvarez-Bustos

Cristina G de Pedro

Maria Romero-Elias

Javier Ramos

Pablo Osorio

Blanca Cantos

Constanza Maximiano

Miriam Mendez

Carmen Fiuza-Luces

Marta Mendez-Otero

Silvia Martin

Hector Cebolla

Ana Ruiz-Casado

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Purpose: To identify potential correlates of cancer-related fatigue (CRF) after curative breast cancer (BC) treatment. The hypothesis was that fatigue would be more severe among women treated with cardiotoxic drugs, with poor physical condition and those who exercised less.

Methods: Observational cross-sectional design. Fatigue was evaluated through PERFORM Questionnaire (multi-item, multi-dimensional). Patient-reported assessments and objective information regarding clinical data, physical activity (PA) and physical condition were analysed as potential correlates of CRF.

Results: One hundred eighty women who remained free of disease were recruited. The prevalence of fatigue interfering with quality of life was 43%. Weight, resting and recovery heart rate were positively associated with fatigue. Age and time from diagnosis were negatively associated. Previous therapies, objectively assessed weekly PA, cardiorespiratory condition, muscular strength and adherence to Mediterranean diet were not associated with CRF.

Conclusions: CRF is a prevalent problem after BC treatment. Objectively assessed PA, cardiorespiratory fitness and muscular strength did not predict CRF. The association of heart rate and fatigue deserves a further insight. Future research should include longitudinal studies and determination of biomarkers.

Implications For Cancer Survivors: BC survivors, especially younger and overweight women, should be informed about fatigue as a potential persistent symptom through all stages of the cancer trajectory and into survivorship. They also should be routinely screened for CRF.

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