Fatigue Related Psychosocial Problems in Cancer Patients and their Solutions

Fatigue in cancer patients may influence the individual from the very beginning of the disease, and may then continue months or even years after the treatment. Despite good progress in cancer therapy and reduction of side effects from the treatment, it still is not possible to talk about effective fatigue treatment. Fatigue related psycho-social problems limit the patient and negatively affect his/her quality of life: from daily activities to professional life. Fatigue measurement tool is developed according to international standards. For the patient s benefit it should be introduced into all stages of their medical treatment, behavior therapy and education. This review paper aims to discuss proposed solutions related to identification, treatment and care for the fatigue syndrome and concomitant psycho-social problems that are commonly overlooked despite having adverse effects on the patients quality of life. [Archives Medical Review Journal 2012; 21(4.000): 253-273]