Advertisement
help button home button The Oncologist
HOME HELP CONTACT US SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS
This Article
Right arrow Full Text
Right arrow Full Text (PDF)
Right arrow eLetters: Submit a response to this article
Right arrow Purchase Article
Right arrow View Shopping Cart
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me when eLetters are posted
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Right arrow Citation Map
Services
Right arrow E-mail this article link to a friend
Right arrow Related articles in The Oncologist
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Similar articles in PubMed
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Right arrow Reprints/Permissions
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via HighWire
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Curt, G. A.
Right arrow Articles by Vogelzang, N. J.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow PubMed Citation
Right arrow Articles by Curt, G. A.
Right arrow Articles by Vogelzang, N. J.
The Oncologist, Vol. 5, No. 5, 353-360, October 2000
© 2000 AlphaMed Press

Impact of Cancer-Related Fatigue on the Lives of Patients: New Findings From the Fatigue Coalition

Gregory A. Curta, William Breitbartb, David Cellac, Jerome E. Groopmand, Sandra J. Horninge, Loretta M. Itrif, David H. Johnsong, Christine Miaskowskih, Susan L. Scherri, Russell K. Portenoyj, Nicholas J. Vogelzangk

a National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland; b Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York; c Evanston Northwestern Healthcare, Evanston, Illinois; d Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts; e Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, California; f Ortho Biotech Products, L.P., Raritan, New Jersey; g Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee; h University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California; i The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship, Silver Spring, Maryland; j Beth Israel Medical Center, New York, New York; k The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois

Correspondence: Gregory A. Curt, M.D., National Cancer Institute, 12N214 Room Bldg. 10, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-0001, USA; Telephone: 301-496-4251; Fax: 301-496-9962; e-mail: gc45e{at}nih.gov

Purpose. This survey was designed to confirm the prevalence and duration of fatigue in the cancer population and to assess its physical, mental, social, and economic impacts on the lives of patients and caregivers.

Patients and Methods. A 25-minute telephone interview was completed with 379 cancer patients having a prior history of chemotherapy. Patients were recruited from a sample of 6,125 households in the United States identified as having a member with cancer. The median patient age was 62 years, and 79% of respondents were women. Patients reporting fatigue at least a few times a month were asked a series of questions to better describe their fatigue and its impact on quality of life.

Results. Seventy-six percent of patients experienced fatigue at least a few days each month during their most recent chemotherapy; 30% experienced fatigue on a daily basis. Ninety-one percent of those who experienced fatigue reported that it prevented a "normal" life, and 88% indicated that fatigue caused an alteration in their daily routine. Fatigue made it more difficult to participate in social activities and perform typical cognitive tasks. Of the 177 patients who were employed, 75% changed their employment status as a result of fatigue. Furthermore, 65% of patients indicated that their fatigue resulted in their caregivers taking at least one day (mean, 4.5 days) off work in a typical month. Physicians were the health care professionals most commonly consulted (79%) to discuss fatigue. Bed rest/ relaxation was the most common treatment recommendation (37%); 40% of patients were not offered any recommendations.

Conclusions. Cancer-related fatigue is common among cancer patients who have received chemotherapy and results in substantial adverse physical, psychosocial, and economic consequences for both patients and caregivers. Given the impact of fatigue, treatment options should be routinely considered in the care of patients with cancer.

Key Words. Asthenia • Cancer • Chemotherapy • Fatigue • Fatigue Coalition • Quality of life


Related articles in The Oncologist:

Cancer-Related Fatigue: The Scale of the Problem
Maarten Hofman, Julie L. Ryan, Colmar D. Figueroa-Moseley, Pascal Jean-Pierre, and Gary R. Morrow
The Oncologist 2007 12: 4-10. [Abstract] [Full Text]  



This article has been cited by other articles:


Home page
 Psychosom. Med.Home page
E. McAuley, S. M. White, L. Q. Rogers, R. W. Motl, and K. S. Courneya
Physical Activity and Fatigue in Breast Cancer and Multiple Sclerosis: Psychosocial Mechanisms
Psychosom Med, January 1, 2010; 72(1): 88 - 96.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 JCOHome page
S. Ancoli-Israel
Recognition and Treatment of Sleep Disturbances in Cancer
J. Clin. Oncol., December 10, 2009; 27(35): 5864 - 5866.
[Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 PsychosomaticsHome page
L. F. Brown and K. Kroenke
Cancer-Related Fatigue and Its Associations With Depression and Anxiety: A Systematic Review
Psychosomatics, September 1, 2009; 50(5): 440 - 447.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF LIFESTYLE MEDICINEHome page
C. Rabin
Promoting Lifestyle Change Among Cancer Survivors: When Is the Teachable Moment?
American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, September 1, 2009; 3(5): 369 - 378.
[Abstract] [PDF]

Home page
 The OncologistHome page
S.-C. Shun, Y.-H. Lai, and F.-H. Hsiao
Patient-Related Barriers to Fatigue Communication in Cancer Patients Receiving Active Treatment
Oncologist, September 1, 2009; 14(9): 936 - 943.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 JPEN J Parenter Enteral NutrHome page
F. Bozzetti and L. Mariani
Defining and Classifying Cancer Cachexia: A Proposal by the SCRINIO Working Group
JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr, July 1, 2009; 33(4): 361 - 367.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Anticancer ResHome page
A. LATVALA, K. SYRJANEN, H. SALMENOJA, and E. SALMINEN
Anaemia and Other Predictors of Fatigue Among Patients on Palliative Therapy for Advanced Cancer
Anticancer Res, July 1, 2009; 29(7): 2569 - 2575.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Palliat MedHome page
A Spathis, R Dhillan, D Booden, K Forbes, K Vrotsou, and K Fife
Modafinil for the treatment of fatigue in lung cancer: a pilot study
Palliative Medicine, June 1, 2009; 23(4): 325 - 331.
[Abstract] [PDF]

Home page
 Rheumatology (Oxford)Home page
B. D. Thombs, M. Bassel, L. McGuire, M. T. Smith, M. Hudson, and J. A. Haythornthwaite
A systematic comparison of fatigue levels in systemic sclerosis with general population, cancer and rheumatic disease samples
Rheumatology, October 1, 2008; 47(10): 1559 - 1563.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 JCOHome page
S. M. Dy, K. A. Lorenz, A. Naeim, H. Sanati, A. Walling, and S. M. Asch
Evidence-Based Recommendations for Cancer Fatigue, Anorexia, Depression, and Dyspnea
J. Clin. Oncol., August 10, 2008; 26(23): 3886 - 3895.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 JCOHome page
J. E. Bower
Behavioral Symptoms in Patients With Breast Cancer and Survivors
J. Clin. Oncol., February 10, 2008; 26(5): 768 - 777.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Palliat MedHome page
L. Radbruch, F. Strasser, F. Elsner, J. F. Goncalves, J. Loge, S. Kaasa, F. Nauck, P. Stone, and the Research Steering Committee of the European As
Fatigue in palliative care patients -- an EAPC approach
Palliative Medicine, January 1, 2008; 22(1): 13 - 32.
[Abstract] [PDF]

Home page
 The Annals of PharmacotherapyHome page
H. Sikand, A. Decter, T. Greco, S. H Watson, Y. J. Kang, S. H Mody, C. T. Piech, M. S. Duh, and A. Naeem
Cost Analytic Model to Determine the Least Costly Inpatient Erythropoiesis Stimulating Therapy Regimen
Ann. Pharmacother., January 1, 2008; 42(1): 16 - 23.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Am J Health Syst PharmHome page
R. J. Muller and D. Baribeault
Extended-dosage-interval regimens of erythropoietic agents in chemotherapy-induced anemia
Am. J. Health Syst. Pharm., December 15, 2007; 64(24): 2547 - 2556.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 JCOHome page
K. S. Courneya, R. J. Segal, J. R. Mackey, K. Gelmon, R. D. Reid, C. M. Friedenreich, A. B. Ladha, C. Proulx, J. K.H. Vallance, K. Lane, et al.
Effects of Aerobic and Resistance Exercise in Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Adjuvant Chemotherapy: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial
J. Clin. Oncol., October 1, 2007; 25(28): 4396 - 4404.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 The OncologistHome page
V. Charu, C. P. Belani, A. N. Gill, M. Bhatt, D. Tomita, G. Rossi, and A. Ben-Jacob
Efficacy and Safety of Every-2-Week Darbepoetin Alfa in Patients with Anemia of Cancer: A Controlled, Randomized, Open-Label Phase II Trial
Oncologist, June 1, 2007; 12(6): 727 - 737.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 The OncologistHome page
R. Boccia, T. Lillie, D. Tomita, and L. Balducci
The Effectiveness of Darbepoetin Alfa Administered Every 3 Weeks on Hematologic Outcomes and Quality of Life in Older Patients With Chemotherapy-Induced Anemia
Oncologist, May 1, 2007; 12(5): 584 - 593.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 The OncologistHome page
M. Hofman, J. L. Ryan, C. D. Figueroa-Moseley, P. Jean-Pierre, and G. R. Morrow
Cancer-Related Fatigue: The Scale of the Problem
Oncologist, May 1, 2007; 12(suppl_1): 4 - 10.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 The OncologistHome page
J. K. Carroll, S. Kohli, K. M. Mustian, J. A. Roscoe, and G. R. Morrow
Pharmacologic Treatment of Cancer-Related Fatigue
Oncologist, May 1, 2007; 12(suppl_1): 43 - 51.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 The OncologistHome page
K. M. Mustian, G. R. Morrow, J. K. Carroll, C. D. Figueroa-Moseley, P. Jean-Pierre, and G. C. Williams
Integrative Nonpharmacologic Behavioral Interventions for the Management of Cancer-Related Fatigue
Oncologist, May 1, 2007; 12(suppl_1): 52 - 67.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Palliat MedHome page
M. A Echteld, L. van Zuylen, M. Bannink, E. Witkamp, and C. C. Van der Rijt
Changes in and correlates of individual quality of life in advanced cancer patients admitted to an academic unit for palliative care
Palliative Medicine, April 1, 2007; 21(3): 199 - 205.
[Abstract] [PDF]

Home page
 Integr Cancer TherHome page
K. L. Tsang, L. E. Carlson, and K. Olson
Pilot Crossover Trial of Reiki Versus Rest for Treating Cancer-Related Fatigue
Integr Cancer Ther, March 1, 2007; 6(1): 25 - 35.
[Abstract] [PDF]

Home page
 Am J Health Syst PharmHome page
R. N. Schwartz
Anemia in patients with cancer: Incidence, causes, impact, management, and use of treatment guidelines and protocols
Am. J. Health Syst. Pharm., February 1, 2007; 64(3_Supplement_2): S5 - S13.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 JCOHome page
P. Kim
Cost of Cancer Care: The Patient Perspective
J. Clin. Oncol., January 10, 2007; 25(2): 228 - 232.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 J Oncol Pharm PractHome page
P. Hartvig, J. Aulin, S. Wallenberg, and G. Wagenius
Physical exercise for cytotoxic drug-induced fatigue
Journal of Oncology Pharmacy Practice, December 1, 2006; 12(4): 183 - 191.
[Abstract] [PDF]

Home page
 The OncologistHome page
J. H. Savonije, C. J. van Groeningen, L. W. Wormhoudt, and G. Giaccone
Early Intervention with Epoetin Alfa During Platinum-Based Chemotherapy: An Analysis of Quality-of-Life Results of a Multicenter, Randomized, Controlled Trial Compared with Population Normative Data.
Oncologist, February 1, 2006; 11(2): 197 - 205.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Policy Politics Nursing PracticeHome page
P. Poirier
Policy Implications of the Relationship of Sick Leave Benefits, Individual Characteristics, and Fatigue to Employment During Radiation Therapy for Cancer
Policy Politics Nursing Practice, November 1, 2005; 6(4): 305 - 318.
[Abstract] [PDF]

Home page
 The OncologistHome page
P. Barrett-Lee, C. Bokemeyer, P. Gascon, J.W.R. Nortier, M. Schneider, D. Schrijvers, S. Van Belle, and for the Ecas Advisory Board and Participating Cent
Management of Cancer-Related Anemia in Patients with Breast or Gynecologic Cancer: New Insights Based on Results from the European Cancer Anemia Survey
Oncologist, October 1, 2005; 10(9): 743 - 757.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 The OncologistHome page
R. Waltzman, C. Croot, G. R. Justice, M. R. Fesen, V. Charu, and D. Williams
Randomized Comparison of Epoetin Alfa (40,000 U Weekly) and Darbepoetin Alfa (200 {micro}g Every 2 Weeks) in Anemic Patients with Cancer Receiving Chemotherapy
Oncologist, September 1, 2005; 10(8): 642 - 650.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 JCOHome page
K. A. Meeske, S. E. Siegel, D. R. Globe, W. J. Mack, and L. Bernstein
Prevalence and Correlates of Fatigue in Long-Term Survivors of Childhood Leukemia
J. Clin. Oncol., August 20, 2005; 23(24): 5501 - 5510.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Ann OncolHome page
R. C. Leonard, M. Untch, and F. Von Koch
Management of anaemia in patients with breast cancer: role of epoetin
Ann. Onc., May 1, 2005; 16(5): 817 - 824.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Am J Health Syst PharmHome page
J. D. Herrington, S. L. Davidson, D. K. Tomita, L. Green, R. E. Smith, and R. V. Boccia
Utilization of darbepoetin alfa and epoetin alfa for chemotherapy-induced anemia
Am. J. Health Syst. Pharm., January 1, 2005; 62(1): 54 - 62.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 The OncologistHome page
F. Couture, A.R. Turner, B. Melosky, L. Xiu, R.K. Plante, C.Y. Lau, and I. Quirt
Prior Red Blood Cell Transfusions in Cancer Patients Increase the Risk of Subsequent Transfusions With or Without Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Management
Oncologist, January 1, 2005; 10(1): 63 - 71.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Arch Intern MedHome page
L. M. Walke, W. T. Gallo, M. E. Tinetti, and T. R. Fried
The Burden of Symptoms Among Community-Dwelling Older Persons With Advanced Chronic Disease
Arch Intern Med, November 22, 2004; 164(21): 2321 - 2324.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 The OncologistHome page
K. Blackwell, P. Gascon, G. Sigounas, and L. Jolliffe
rHuEPO and Improved Treatment Outcomes: Potential Modes of Action
Oncologist, November 1, 2004; 9(suppl_5): 41 - 47.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 The OncologistHome page
C. A. Hudis, S. Van Belle, J. Chang, and K. Muenstedt
rHuEPO and Treatment Outcomes: the Clinical Experience
Oncologist, November 1, 2004; 9(suppl_5): 55 - 69.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 ptjournalHome page
T. Watson and V. Mock
Exercise as an Intervention for Cancer-Related Fatigue
Physical Therapy, August 1, 2004; 84(8): 736 - 743.
[Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 J Natl Cancer Inst MonogrHome page
D. P. Lawrence, B. Kupelnick, K. Miller, D. Devine, and J. Lau
Evidence Report on the Occurrence, Assessment, and Treatment of Fatigue in Cancer Patients
J Natl Cancer Inst Monographs, July 1, 2004; 2004(32): 40 - 50.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 J Natl Cancer Inst MonogrHome page
L. M. Nail
My Get Up and Go Got Up and Went: Fatigue in People With Cancer
J Natl Cancer Inst Monographs, July 1, 2004; 2004(32): 72 - 75.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 J Natl Cancer Inst MonogrHome page
V. Mock
Evidence-Based Treatment for Cancer-Related Fatigue
J Natl Cancer Inst Monographs, July 1, 2004; 2004(32): 112 - 118.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Ann OncolHome page
D. Cella, J. Kallich, A. McDermott, and X. Xu
The longitudinal relationship of hemoglobin, fatigue and quality of life in anemic cancer patients: results from five randomized clinical trials
Ann. Onc., June 1, 2004; 15(6): 979 - 986.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Ann OncolHome page
A. Iop, A. M. Manfredi, and S. Bonura
Fatigue in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy: an analysis of published studies
Ann. Onc., May 1, 2004; 15(5): 712 - 720.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 JCOHome page
A. J. Vickers, D. J. Straus, B. Fearon, and B. R. Cassileth
Acupuncture for Postchemotherapy Fatigue: A Phase II Study
J. Clin. Oncol., May 1, 2004; 22(9): 1731 - 1735.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Arch Intern MedHome page
D. H. Henry, P. Bowers, M. T. Romano, and R. Provenzano
Epoetin Alfa: Clinical Evolution of a Pleiotropic Cytokine
Arch Intern Med, February 9, 2004; 164(3): 262 - 276.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 The OncologistHome page
J. Patton, M. Kuzur, W. Liggett, F. Miranda, H. Varsos, and L. Porter
Epoetin Alfa 60,000 U Once Weekly Followed by 120,000 U Every 3 Weeks Increases and Maintains Hemoglobin Levels in Anemic Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy
Oncologist, February 1, 2004; 9(1): 90 - 96.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 The OncologistHome page
D. H. Henry
The Evolving Role of Epoetin Alfa in Cancer Therapy
Oncologist, February 1, 2004; 9(1): 97 - 107.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Palliat MedHome page
H. Knobel, J. H. Loge, E. Brenne, P. Fayers, M. J. Hjermstad, and S. Kaasa
The validity of EORTC QLQ-C30 fatigue scale in advanced cancer patients and cancer survivors
Palliative Medicine, December 1, 2003; 17(8): 664 - 672.
[Abstract] [PDF]

Home page
 Ann OncolHome page
B. Coiffier
Advocating recombinant human erythropoietin as standard practice in Europe for treatment of cancer-related anaemia
Ann. Onc., May 1, 2003; 14(5): 804 - 804.
[Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 JCOHome page
K. S. Courneya, J. R. Mackey, G. J. Bell, L. W. Jones, C. J. Field, and A. S. Fairey
Randomized Controlled Trial of Exercise Training in Postmenopausal Breast Cancer Survivors: Cardiopulmonary and Quality of Life Outcomes
J. Clin. Oncol., May 1, 2003; 21(9): 1660 - 1668.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Ann OncolHome page
D. Cella, D. Dobrez, and J. Glaspy
Control of cancer-related anemia with erythropoietic agents: a review of evidence for improved quality of life and clinical outcomes
Ann. Onc., April 1, 2003; 14(4): 511 - 519.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 The OncologistHome page
M. Dicato
Anemia in Cancer: Some Pathophysiological Aspects
Oncologist, February 1, 2003; 8(90001): 19 - 21.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 The OncologistHome page
G. Curt and P. G. Johnston
Cancer Fatigue: The Way Forward
Oncologist, February 1, 2003; 8(90001): 27 - 30.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 JCOHome page
D. Cella, M. J. Zagari, C. Vandoros, D. D. Gagnon, H.-J. Hurtz, and J. W.R. Nortier
Epoetin Alfa Treatment Results in Clinically Significant Improvements in Quality of Life in Anemic Cancer Patients When Referenced to the General Population
J. Clin. Oncol., January 15, 2003; 21(2): 366 - 373.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 JAMAHome page
S. B. Detmar, M. J. Muller, J. H. Schornagel, L. D. V. Wever, and N. K. Aaronson
Health-Related Quality-of-Life Assessments and Patient-Physician Communication: A Randomized Controlled Trial
JAMA, December 18, 2002; 288(23): 3027 - 3034.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 The OncologistHome page
M. S. Gordon
Managing Anemia in the Cancer Patient: Old Problems, Future Solutions
Oncologist, August 1, 2002; 7(4): 331 - 341.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Palliat MedHome page
E A Thompson and D Reilly
The homeopathic approach to symptom control in the cancer patient: a prospective observational study
Palliative Medicine, April 1, 2002; 16(3): 227 - 233.
[Abstract] [PDF]

Home page
 The OncologistHome page
J. Glaspy, L. Degos, M. Dicato, and G. D. Demetri
Comparable Efficacy of Epoetin Alfa for Anemic Cancer Patients Receiving Platinum- and Nonplatinum-Based Chemotherapy: A Retrospective Subanalysis of Two Large, Community-Based Trials
Oncologist, April 1, 2002; 7(2): 126 - 135.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Nephrol Dial TransplantHome page
L. M. Itri
Cancer-related anaemia requires higher doses of epoetin alfa than chronic renal failure replacement therapy
Nephrol. Dial. Transplant., December 1, 2001; 16(12): 2289 - 2293.
[Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 JCOHome page
H. Knobel, J. H. Loge, M. B. Lund, K./o. Forfang, O. Nome, and S. Kaasa
Late Medical Complications and Fatigue in Hodgkin's Disease Survivors
J. Clin. Oncol., July 1, 2001; 19(13): 3226 - 3233.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 BMJHome page
G. A Curt
Fatigue in cancer
BMJ, June 30, 2001; 322(7302): 1560 - 1560.
[Full Text]


HOME HELP CONTACT US SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS
THE ONCOLOGIST STEM CELLS CME ALPHAMED PRESS JOURNALS


Copyright © 2000 by AlphaMed Press.
Advertisement