Fatigue Book Section

  


Authors: Breitbart, W. S.; Alici, Y.
Editors: Holland, J. C.; Jacobsen, P. B.; Lederberg, M. S.; Loscalzo, M. J.; McCorkle, R.
Article/Chapter Title: Fatigue
Abstract: (from the chapter) Fatigue is a highly prevalent and distressing symptom of cancer, associated with decreased quality of life, as well as significant psychological and functional morbidity. Fatigue in cancer patients has been significantly associated with depression, hopelessness, and overall psychological distress. Fatigue has been shown to predict desire for hastened death among cancer patients. Patients with cancer perceive fatigue as the most distressing symptom associated with cancer and its treatment, more distressing than pain, nausea, and vomiting. As outlined in the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Practice Guidelines for Cancer-Related Fatigue, "fatigue most commonly occurs with other symptoms, such as pain, distress, anemia, and sleep disturbances," thus cancer patients presenting with fatigue should be screened for all these symptoms. Despite its impact on patients and their caregivers, cancer-related fatigue is underreported, underdiagnosed, and undertreated. As growing attention is given to symptom management and quality of life in cancer patients, clinicians treating such patients should be familiar with major issues in assessment and management of fatigue. This chapter reviews the definition, prevalence, and assessment of cancer-related fatigue, as well as evidence-based strategies for treatment. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved).
Keywords: treatment; prevalence; assessment; definition; cancer related fatigue
Book Title: Psycho-Oncology. 2nd ed
ISBN: 978-0-19-536743-0
Publisher: Oxford University Press  
Publication Place: Oxford, UK
Date Published: 2010-01-01
Start Page: 236
End Page: 244
Language: English
PROVIDER: Ovid Technologies
ACCESSION: Book: 2010-06876-032
PROVIDER: psycinfo
DOI/URL:

http://ovidsp.ovid.com/ovidweb.cgi?T=JS&CSC=Y&NEWS=N&PAGE=fulltext&D=psyc7&AN=2010-06876-032
Notes: Book Chapter 32 -- "Source: PsycINFO"
MSK Authors
  1. William S Breitbart
    505 Breitbart
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