Researchers try to define 'fatigue' better

PHILADELPHIA, Pa., May 19 (UPI) -- Fatigue is a recognized symptom of cancer treatment, but the measurement of fatigue has been based on many different definitions, a U.S. researcher says.

Loretta A. Williams of The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston says few of the definitions have included patient input.

"We're trying to define fatigue based on patient experience," Williams says in a statement. "Once we're able to determine the critical elements of fatigue, we'll be better equipped to ask the right questions of patients to assess fatigue."

The researchers asked 21 patients, all receiving radiation therapy at M.D. Anderson, with breast, prostate and head and neck cancer about fatigue.

More than 85 percent of the patients used the terms, "tiredness" and "lack of energy" to describe fatigue. The effects of fatigue included a lack of motivation or inability to perform usual activities, decreased interest in social activities and an overwhelming need to rest at times.

"Patients frequently report that they didn't want to be around others, that it took too much out of them to keep up a conversation or be cordial," Williams says.

The findings were presented at the 33rd annual Congress of the Oncology Nursing Society in Philadelphia.