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Supportive Care in Cancer

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01-08-2008 | Original Article

Is cancer-related fatigue more strongly correlated to haematological or to psychological factors in cancer patients?

Authors: F. Romito, R. Montanaro, C. Corvasce, M. Di Bisceglie, V. Mattioli

Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer | Issue 8/2008

Abstract

Goals of work

Cancer-related fatigue is a very frequent problem in cancer, interfering with many patients’ life activities. Anaemia is present in a large number of fatigued patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate cancer-related fatigue, in relation with haematic haemoglobin levels and the presence of anxiety and depression.

Materials and methods

The Functional Assessment Of Chronic Illness Therapy—Fatigue scale was used to assess fatigue. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was administered to screen for psychological distress. Haematological values were measured by blood tests. All data were analysed using Chi-squared, and a logistic regression analysis was conducted.

Main results

Eighty patients were enrolled in the study. Significant associations were found between fatigue and depression, fatigue and anxiety and between fatigue and haemoglobin.

Conclusion

Anxiety and depression, other than heamoglobin levels, were found associated with fatigue. Hence, implications for a multi-dimensional treatment of fatigue are discussed.

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Title: Is cancer-related fatigue more strongly correlated to haematological or to psychological factors in cancer patients?
Authors: F. Romito
R. Montanaro
C. Corvasce
M. Di Bisceglie
V. Mattioli
Publication date: 01-08-2008
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer / Issue 8/2008
Print ISSN: 0941-4355
Electronic ISSN: 1433-7339
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-007-0357-1

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Abstract

Goals of work

Materials and methods

Main results

Conclusion

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