Cancer related fatigue of patients receiving different modalities for cancer treatment

ABSTRACT

Fatigue is the most common symptom of illness affecting sufferers of both acute and chromnic conditions. The subjective feeling of fatigue is closely n linked to individual perceptions of illness from a nursing perspective. fatigue has been conceptualized as an "inability to continue in whatever " situations people find themselves " and described as a feeling of inability to mobilize the energy to carry on. It was reported that cancer-related fatigue is an immense problem associated with pervasive disturbances in quality of life. Despite the prevalence of fatigue in cancer patients and the extent to which it can interfere with daily activities, there is a limited research describing severity of cancer treatment related fatigue; and identifying measures that prevent or ameliorate fatigue. Prevention and treatment of fatigue must be addressed in the plan of care of cancer patient to minimize the negative impact of fatigue on the quality of life. This study was conducted to determine the severity of fatigue of cancer patients receiving different modalities for treatment [radiation and/or chemotherapy], to determine the factors that increase its severity, and to identify the measures used by the patients to relieve fatigue. Design: Descriptive survey, Setting: The present study was conducted in the oncology department in Alexandria Main University Hospital. Sample Data were collected from cancer patient, of both sexes, who were admitted to Alexandria Main University Hospital for cancer treatment whether by, radiation and/or chemotherapy