The impact of fatigue on Chinese cancer patients in Hong Kong

Fatigue is probably the most common symptom affecting sufferers of cancer a nd cancer treatments. The aim of this study was to gain an initial understa nding of the impact of fatigue on Chinese cancer patients in Hong Kong. Twe nty-two chemotherapy patients and 15 radiotherapy patients completed semist ructured interviews by the end of the 2nd week after commencement of their treatment. Chemotherapy patients reported greater severity of fatigue than did radiotherapy patients. Six themes emerged from the study's qualitative data that illustrated the impact of fatigue on patients' lives. These theme s were: work and role functioning, daily routines, social life, mental abil ity, emotional status, and appetite and oral intake. The findings are discu ssed within the Chinese cultural context, and the need for regular assessme nt of fatigue in cancer patients is suggested.