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The role of objective and subjective factors in cancer-related fatigue syndrome: a pilot study in advanced cancer patients receiving palliative radiotherapy treatment
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Abstract
Background. Cancer-related fatigue is observed in most cancer patients in advanced stage of the disease. It may be caused by both, the disease and treatment - chemotherapy and radiotherapy. During and after palliative radiotherapy treatment, whose objective is to improve patient's quality of life, increase of fatigue might occur. The aims of this study were both to assess the level of fatigue in patients receiving palliative radiotherapy and to determine the role of psychological variables in cancer-related fatigue syndrome e.g. the relation between temperament and cancer-related fatigue, as well as strategies of coping with disease.
Method. 24 patients in advanced or metastatic cancer, undergoing palliative radiotherapy participated in the study. Prior to and after the treatment the patients were asked to complete a series of psychological questionnaires, like temperament questionnaire (FCZ-KT), Mini-MAC, PRE. Physicians, before and after the treatment, completed medical questionnaire, in which objective parameters of chronic fatigue syndrome were monitored (e.g. Haemoglobin level).
Results. Results show correlation between temperament and strategies of coping with disease with the level of fatigue. Psychological features may constitute a predictor for the fatigue level. Because of the group size this study has pilot and explorative character.
Abstract
Background. Cancer-related fatigue is observed in most cancer patients in advanced stage of the disease. It may be caused by both, the disease and treatment - chemotherapy and radiotherapy. During and after palliative radiotherapy treatment, whose objective is to improve patient's quality of life, increase of fatigue might occur. The aims of this study were both to assess the level of fatigue in patients receiving palliative radiotherapy and to determine the role of psychological variables in cancer-related fatigue syndrome e.g. the relation between temperament and cancer-related fatigue, as well as strategies of coping with disease.
Method. 24 patients in advanced or metastatic cancer, undergoing palliative radiotherapy participated in the study. Prior to and after the treatment the patients were asked to complete a series of psychological questionnaires, like temperament questionnaire (FCZ-KT), Mini-MAC, PRE. Physicians, before and after the treatment, completed medical questionnaire, in which objective parameters of chronic fatigue syndrome were monitored (e.g. Haemoglobin level).
Results. Results show correlation between temperament and strategies of coping with disease with the level of fatigue. Psychological features may constitute a predictor for the fatigue level. Because of the group size this study has pilot and explorative character.
Keywords
cancer-related fatigue syndrome; temperament; strategies of coping with disease
About this articleTitle
The role of objective and subjective factors in cancer-related fatigue syndrome: a pilot study in advanced cancer patients receiving palliative radiotherapy treatment
Journal
Advances in Palliative Medicine
Issue
Pages
61-68
Published online
2008-06-27
Page views
625
Article views/downloads
1924
Bibliographic record
Advances in Palliative Medicine 2008;7(2):61-68.
Keywords
cancer-related fatigue syndrome
temperament
strategies of coping with disease
Authors
Anna Kieszkowska-Grudny
Agata Wytykowska
Ewa Sierko
Zbigniew Sawicki
Marek Z. Wojtukiewicz
Sergiusz Nawrocki