The relationship of fatigue and meaning in life in breast cancer survivors.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To determine relationships among (a) cancer-related fatigue and meaning in life, (b) overall symptom distress and meaning in life, (c) fatigue and performance, and (d) overall symptom distress and performance in breast cancer survivors.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional and correlational.

SETTING

Community-based setting in eastern Pennsylvania.

SAMPLE

34 women who had completed their last treatment for breast cancer within the prior 16 months.

METHODS

Data were collected using the Piper Fatigue Scale (PFS), Life Attitude Profile-Revised (LAP-R), Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale-Short Form (MSAS-SF), and Medical Outcomes Study-Short Form 36 (SF-36).

MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES

Fatigue and meaning in life.

FINDINGS

One moderate negative correlation was found between the PFS sensory subscale and the choice or responsibleness dimension of the LAP-R. Significant moderate to strong negative correlations were found between the MSAS-SF total score and two subscale scores and the existential transcendence dimension of the LAP-R. Significant moderate to strong negative correlations were found between four subscales of the SF-36 representing performance and the MSAS-SF total score.

CONCLUSIONS

Meaning in life may influence fatigue and overall symptoms in breast cancer survivors.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING

Assessment of meaning in life may be important in the management of fatigue and overall symptoms in women after treatment for breast cancer.