Virender Suhag, Sunita B S, Subhash Singh.
Cancer related fatigue: Assessment tools and therapeutic options.
Pak J Med Res Jan ;43(2):78-85.

Fatigue is a highly prevalent and disabling symptom of cancer and side effect of cancer treatment, affecting upto 75-80% of cancer population at one or another level. It has a profound impact on functioning of cancer patient, and is a symptom that must be properly addressed. A variety of treatment- and disease-related factors contribute to the development of fatigue. Patients may characterize fatigue in terms of an overall lack of energy, cognitive impairment, somnolence, mood disturbance, or muscle weakness. Predisposing factors include the disease itself, antineoplastic therapies, metabolic disturbances, mood or sleep disorders, and other problems. Fatigue affects cancer patients physically, mentally, emotionally, and economically. The impact of fatigue on the quality of life of oncology patients is substantial. Although fatigue is a commonly reported symptom in cancer patients, it is rarely investigated and actively treated, specially in the developing world. There is no standard of care for the assessment or treatment of fatigue in patients with cancer. A multidisciplinary programme that provides exercise, proper nutrition, correction of anemia, and psychological interventions can reduce fatigue and increase functioning in cancer patients.

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