Cancer-related fatigue can result in decreases in:
(1) physical activity and exercise
(2) work capacity
(3) enjoyment of life
(4) mood
(5) relationships with others
(6) compliance with therapy
Factors associated with cancer-related fatigue:
(1) ECOG performance status 2 to 4
(2) pain requiring opioid therapy
(3) anemia with the need for blood transfusions
(4) nausea
(5) other gastrointestinal symptoms (anorexia, diarrhea, chewing and swallowing difficulties)
(6) sleep disturbances (insomnia, waking up during the night, waking up too early, waking unrefreshed)
(7) disease relapse or progression
(8) hypoalbuminemia
(9) inpatient status
(10) difficulty thinking clearly (cognitive impairments)
where:
• Depression would also seem to correlate with fatigue and could explain some of the sleep disturbances.
• These factors should also apply to patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma.
