December Is Cancer-Related Fatigue Awareness Month

Main Category: Cancer / Oncology
Article Date: 25 Nov 2008 - 0:00 PST

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Between 70 and 100 percent of cancer patients receiving treatment have fatigue, according to the American Cancer Society. Up to one-half of all survivors have reported fatigue lasting months or even years after treatment. Cancer related fatigue is one of the most distressing side effects of cancer and can affect personal relationships, one's sense of well-being, and even compliance with treatment. The Cancer Institute of New Jersey (CINJ) is making experts available to discuss the symptoms, signs, and causes of cancer-related fatigue during this Cancer-Related Fatigue Awareness Month. CINJ is a Center of Excellence of UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.

Signs of cancer-related fatigue include feeling tired or exhausted even after sleep, having trouble concentrating, feeling unmotivated, and lacking interest in normal day-today activities. Cancer fatigue is very different from the fatigue of everyday life, because it is not relieved by rest and often hits unexpectedly, thus affecting a person's ability to perform ordinary tasks. Many patients believe that fatigue is a side effect from treatment that cannot be managed. Although there is no cure for cancer-related fatigue, there are ways to cope and reduce symptoms.

CINJ experts available for comment include:

Regina S. Cunningham, PhD, RN, AOCN, is the chief nursing officer at CINJ and assistant professor of family medicine at UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, who can discuss the issue of "cancer survivorship." Her research focuses on the transition of survivors back into the primary care setting. She also has an interest in the role of oncology nurses in influencing the outcomes of care in patients receiving cancer treatment, including the impact of cancer-related fatigue.

Beth Knox, MSN, RN, APN, AOCN, is an adult oncology certified nurse practitioner at CINJ, who practices in the Phase I clinical trial study group. She can discuss the multidisciplinary approach used at CINJ to assess cancer-related fatigue and fatigue associated with cancer chemotherapy treatments. Her research focuses on reducing chemotherapy-induced fatigue through promotion of communication about fatigue.

Barbara Hale, MSW, LCSW, is the manager of the Social Work Department at CINJ and the leader for the Living with Cancer-Patient and Family Support Group. She can provide information and strategies on how family members can help loved ones with cancer cope with the effects of cancer-related fatigue.

Cancer Institute of New Jersey
New Brunswick
NJ 08901
United States
http://www.cinj.org