Patients' perception of cancer-related fatigue: results of a survey to assess the impact on their everyday life.

PURPOSE

Fatigue is a cancer-related symptom with great impact on patients' daily lives, but often not discussed with their oncologists. This survey explored functional and psychological fatigue impact among different cancer symptoms according to patient's perception (pp).

METHODS

A cross-sectional, self-administered survey was conducted in 10 oncologist services throughout Spain. Demographical data and tumour diagnoses were collected. Fatigue impact on functional and social activities (Likert scale) and on emotional well-being (visual analogue scale) was measured. The pp of oncologist's response to fatigue report was recorded.

RESULTS

505 surveyed cancer patients were analysed (55.2% women, aged 58.8 years +/-11.7), 97.8% remembered experiencing fatigue during treatment. 27.1% did not discuss their fatigue with their oncologist. Fatigue affected patient's daily routine (> or = 50% of times) included self-care (58.26%), entertainment activities (69.8%), and relationships (71.4%). Fatigue was the most bothersome symptom of cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

Cancer patients perceive fatigue as the symptom with highest impact on their daily living and that substantially affects their emotional and social areas.