Fatigue in long-term breast carcinoma survivors: a longitudinal investigation
Julienne E Bower, Patricia A Ganz, Katherine A Desmond, Coen Bernaards, Julia H Rowland, Beth E Meyerowitz, Thomas R Belin, Julienne E Bower, Patricia A Ganz, Katherine A Desmond, Coen Bernaards, Julia H Rowland, Beth E Meyerowitz, Thomas R Belin
Abstract
Background: A longitudinal study was designed to evaluate the prevalence, persistence, and predictors of posttreatment fatigue in breast carcinoma survivors.
Methods: A sample of 763 breast carcinoma survivors completed questionnaires at 1-5 and 5-10 years after diagnosis, including the RAND 36-item Health Survey, Center for Epidemiological Studies - Depression scale (CES-D), Breast Cancer Prevention Trial Symptom Checklist, and demographic and treatment-related measures.
Results: Approximately 34% of study participants reported significant fatigue at 5-10 years after diagnosis, which is consistent with prevalence estimates obtained at 1-5 years after diagnosis. Approximately 21% reported fatigue at both assessment points, indicating a more persistent symptom profile. Longitudinal predictors of fatigue included depression, cardiovascular problems, and type of treatment received. Women treated with either radiation or chemotherapy alone showed a small improvement in fatigue compared with those treated with both radiation and chemotherapy.
Conclusions: Fatigue continues to be a problem for breast carcinoma survivors many years after cancer diagnosis, with 21% reporting persistent problems with fatigue. Several factors that may contribute to long-term fatigue are amenable to intervention, including depression and comorbid medical conditions.
Copyright 2006 American Cancer Society.
Source: PubMed