Prevalence of Fatigue in Head and Neck Cancer Survivors

Abstract

Introduction: In head and neck cancer (HNC) patients, fatigue is present throughout the course of treatment and during follow-up. There are limited data about the prevalence and factors associated with fatigue in HNC survivors. The objectives of this study were to assess the prevalence of fatigue and its interference with daily life activities and examine the association between fatigue and gender, age, primary tumour site, Human Papillomavirus (HPV) status, previous oncologic therapy, and time since end of treatment. Methods: Consecutive locally advanced HNC patients having completed curative treatment at least 1 year earlier and free of disease were asked to fill in the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI) questionnaire. Fatigue was categorized according to BFI average score as absent (0), mild (>0 to <4), moderate (≥4 to ≤6), and severe (>6 to ≤10). Results: From February 2015 to July 2016, 129 patients (median age = 60 years old; 67% male) were evaluated. Primary sites of cancer were oropharynx (46%, with 4/5 patients HPV positive), nasopharynx (22%), larynx/hypopharynx (14%), oral cavity (13%), and paranasal sinus or salivary gland (5%). Oncologic treatment was completed 12 to 96 months earlier (median = 34 months). Fatigue was reported as absent in 15% of the patients, mild in 67%, moderate in 11%, and severe in 7%. No association between BFI average score and the analyzed variables was identified. Discussion: Moderate and severe fatigue was reported in 18% of HNC survivors. Further research is needed to assess its causes and improve the management.

Depression, anxiety, fatigue, and quality of life in a large sample of patients suffering from head and neck cancer in comparison with the general population

“…Patients treated for head and neck cancer (HNC) have a high risk for loss of function such as swallowing, eating, and speaking, and therapy-associated side effects. Anxiety, depression, and fatigue are frequent psychological symptoms and syndromes particularly among HNC patients [1][2][3][4]. The American Head and Neck Survivorship Care Guideline defined the detection of negative psychological side effects as one major target of the tumor aftercare in addition to functional assessments and physical examinations for early detection of recurrence or secondary primary tumor [5].…”

“…Fatigue is also a common symptom of cancer patients. Bossi et al reported an incidence of moderate to severe fatigue in 18% of their HNC patients [2]. Fatigue impairs all aspects of life, but it is also hardly comprehensible and is not easy to treat.…”

Should survivors of head and neck cancer be considered a distinct special population within the context of exercise prescription?

“…Fatigue affects most HANC survivors to varying levels 54 and was ranked sixth of 56 concerns that HANC survivors wished to discuss during their review consultation. 55 A recent review of the literature found strong evidence for the efficacy of exercise interventions for decreasing cancer-related fatigue, with a dose-response relationship up to 150 min•wk -1 of aerobic exercise.…”

The prevalence of fatigue among Chinese nursing students in post-COVID-19 era

“…For instance, the Australian Medical Association found that out of 716 doctors, 53% were at higher risk of fatigue whilst on duty ( Australian Medical Association, 2017 ). In another study, around 85% of patients with head and neck cancer experienced fatigue ( Bossi et al, 2019 ). In addition, college students, particularly those enrolled in health-related subjects, often suffered from fatigue ( Dol, 2016 ; Pallant, Sullivan & Kaluzny, 2020 ; Shim et al, 2019 ).…”