CINJ experts available to discuss cancer-related fatigue

Nov 28 2011

Between 70 and 100 percent of cancer patients receiving treatment suffer from fatigue related to their condition, according to the American Cancer Society, and up to one-half of all survivors have reported fatigue lasting months or even years after treatment. Fatigue can be one of the most distressing side effects of cancer treatment and can sometimes be overlooked by patients, caregivers and doctors. Cancer-related fatigue 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-to-day activities. Cancer fatigue is very different from the fatigue of everyday life, because it is not relieved by rest and often hits unexpectedly, affecting a person's ability to perform ordinary tasks. Many patients believe that fatigue is a side effect from treatment that cannot be managed; however, while there is no cure, there are ways to cope with and reduce symptoms. A few ways to manage cancer-related fatigue are getting rest, but not too much rest, staying active with regular moderate exercise, planning ahead to save your energy for when you know you will need it, eating well and getting a strong support system in line.

CINJ experts available for comment include:

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.

Beth Knox, MSN, RN, APN-C, AOCN, is an adult oncology certified nurse practitioner at CINJ, who practices in the Breast Cancer Group, as well as the Phase I Clinical Trial 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. She also works with the Strength for Caring Support Group, a program for cancer patient caregivers.