Fatigue in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy

Abstract

Cancer-related fatigue is frequently reported. The cause of this symptom is complex and related to effects of disease and/or of treatment and hypoactivity. The aim of the study was to evaluate the level of fatigue in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 106 cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The Revised Piper Fatigue Scale was used to assess fatigue. Data were submitted to descriptive analysis, with qualitative data presented in frequency and quantitative data as mean and standard deviation. The majority of the sample (n=68) reported no fatigue. Moderate fatigue was observed in 24 individuals, with greater impairment in the behavioral/intensity dimension. Severe fatigue was identified in 14 individuals, with greater impairment in the affective dimension. Most cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy did not experience fatigue.