FATIGUE IN WOMEN WITH BREAST-CANCER RECEIVING RADIATION-THERAPY

Fatigue is a common complaint of individuals receiving treatment for c ancer. There is a dearth of rigorous research investigating the clinic al course ?prognosis of fatigue over-the course of radiation therapy. Seventy six patients with breast cancer receiving external radiation t herapy were followed longitudinally from the onset of treatment to 6 m onths post-treatment. Fatigue significantly increased over-the course of treatment, rv as highest at the last week of treatment and returned to pretreatment levels by 3 months after treatment. Fatigue was not i nfluenced by the patient's age, stage of disease, rime since surgery, weight, and length of time since diagnosis. Fatigue was significantly related to symptom distress, psychologic distress, and self-reported f atigue relief strategies. The most frequently reported self-reliefs st rategies were ''sit'' and ''sleep.'' Fatigue had a negative impact on the patient's quality of life. Impairment in quality of life was evide nt by the end of treatment, with improve?ment by 3 and 6 months after treatment. The second week through to the last week of radiation thera py are critical times to target interventions for the management of fa tigue. The amelioration of concomitant symptoms is a supportive approa ch that might be helpful. Self-help strategies focusing on the cessati on of activity and increasing rest were reported as successful by pati ents.