A comparison of the characteristics of disease-free breast cancer survivors with or without cancer-related fatigue syndrome

Abstract

PurposeTo determine the prevalence of cancer-related fatigue syndrome (CRFS) in a population of disease-free breast cancer survivors and to investigate the relationship between CRFS and clinical variables.Patients and methodsWomen (200) were recruited. All participants were between 3 months and 2 years after completion of primary therapy for breast cancer and were disease free. Subjects completed a diagnostic interview for CRFS and structured psychiatric interview. Participants also completed quality of life, mood and fatigue questionnaires, and provided a blood sample for haematological and biochemical analysis and a 24-h urine specimen for cortisol estimation. Subjects wore a wrist actigraph for 7 days to measure activity and sleep.ResultsSixty women (30% of participants) were found to fulfil the criteria for CRFS. There were statistically significant differences between fatigued and non-fatigued women with respect to fatigue severity (p < 0.01), mood (p < 0.01) and quality of life scores (p < 0.05). There were significant differences in blood variables including raised total white cell count and lower sodium (all p < 0.02). There was no difference in the 24 h urinary free cortisol levels. Actigraphic data demonstrated significant differences in sleep quality and disturbance, but not in overall levels of daytime activity or circadian rhythm.ConclusionCRFS affects 30% of women after breast cancer treatment and has significant effects on quality of life and mood. There is some evidence that CRFS is related to sleep disturbance or to a persistent inflammatory or immune response.

Fatigue and quality of life in breast cancer survivors: a comparative study

“…Moreover, previous studies have confirmed that breast cancer survivors with increased fatigue rated their quality of life at a lower level [12][13][14]16 . On the other hand, assessing fatigue in cancer survivors is a challenge since fatigue is also a common complaint with some level of fatigue reported by the general population 17,18 .…”

“…Many studies suggest that fatigue is a common problem experienced by female survivors of breast cancer 6,[9][10][11][12][13][14][15] . Moreover, previous studies have confirmed that breast cancer survivors with increased fatigue rated their quality of life at a lower level [12][13][14]16 .…”

Evaluation of screening instruments for depression and anxiety in breast cancer survivors

“…This study was part of a larger investigation into the prevalence and correlates of Cancer-Related Fatigue Syndrome in breast cancer survivors, the results of which have been published elsewhere [7,8]. As part of this study, it was necessary to thoroughly evaluate the psychological state of participants, and for this reason, women completed various questionnaires and participated in a structured psychiatric interview.…”

Physical activity, fatigue and quality of life in breast cancer patients

“…This being said, both being diagnosed with cancer and its treatment can diminish QOL and may cause a number of symptoms during and after treatment: physical weakness, weight loss, and decreased endurance, all negatively impact several domains of QOL. 2,3 Physical activity (PA), with its contributions towards health, QOL and disease prevention has been well documented in previous studies. 4 It has been shown to improve muscle strength, health and energy, influence mood, body image and self-esteem, thus reducing the physical and emotional symptoms experienced during cancer treatment.…”

“…5 Thus, a seden-tary lifestyle for post cancer patients seems to cause additional decline of functional capacity, and should be avoided as much as possible. 2,5 Studies have also found PA to prevent cancer by stimulating active biological mechanisms of the immune system. Likewise, exercise during cancer treatment greatly contributes to strengthening immunity.…”