Management of cancer-related fatigue in Taiwan: an evidence-based consensus for screening, assessment and treatment

Jpn J Clin Oncol. 2023 Jan 6;53(1):46-56. doi: 10.1093/jjco/hyac164.

Abstract

Background: Cancer-related fatigue is one of the most common and persistent issues experienced by cancer patients. Cancer-related fatigue is a distinct form of fatigue that is subjective, long-lasting and unalleviated by rest or sleep. Studies have shown that almost all cancer patients experience severe fatigue that disrupts the quality of life and physical function, but cancer-related fatigue remains under-addressed in clinical care, and only about half of all patients receive treatment.

Methods: To increase the awareness of cancer-related fatigue and improve current management, the Taiwan Society of Cancer Palliative Medicine and the Taiwan Oncology Nursing Society convened a consensus committee to develop recommendations for the screening, assessment and treatment of cancer-related fatigue.

Results: Thirteen consensus recommendations were subsequently developed based on the best available evidence and the clinical experience of committee members.

Conclusions: These recommendations are expected to facilitate the standardization of cancer-related fatigue management across Taiwan and may also serve as a reference for other clinicians.

Keywords: cancer-related fatigue; oncology; oncology nursing; palliative care; quality of life.

MeSH terms

  • Consensus
  • Early Detection of Cancer
  • Fatigue / diagnosis
  • Fatigue / etiology
  • Fatigue / therapy
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms* / complications
  • Neoplasms* / therapy
  • Quality of Life*
  • Taiwan