Eighth International Conference on Health, Wellness & Society

Abstract

Cancer-related fatigue is a debilitating, multi-faceted biopsychosocial symptom experienced by the cancer survivors, begins after diagnosis and persists long after treatments end, even when the cancer is in remission. The etiological pathopsychophysiology underlying CRF is multifactorial; dysregulation of the homeostatic status of cytokines, irregularities in neuromuscular function, abnormal gene expression, inadequate ATP synthesis, serotonin dysregulation, abnormal vagal afferent nerve activation, an array of psychosocial mechanisms, including self-efficacy, causal attributions, expectancy, coping, and social support. An important first step in the management of CRF is the identification and treatment of associated comorbidities: anemia, hypothyroidism, pain, emotional distress, insomnia, malnutrition, and other comorbid conditions. The NCCN guidelines recommend that integrative nonpharmacologic behavioral interventions be implemented for the effective management of CRF.Exercise, psychosocial support, stress management, energy conservation, nutritional therapy, sleep therapy, and restorative therapy,can yield positive outcomes in cancer survivors with different diagnoses undergoing a variety of cancer treatment.