Cancer-Related Fatigue: A Quiet & Lingering Thief of Function

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Research shows that nearly all cancer survivors experience a type of fatigue that does not easily resolve, is chronic in nature, and negatively impacts their physical and cognitive tolerance for activities. This fatigue is referred to as cancer-related fatigue (CRF). Left untreated, CRF may lead to depression, permanent decrease in physical and/or cognitive abilities, and an overall lower quality of life. In this course Dr. Suzanne Taylor provides detailed information on CRF including the understood causes, the known impacts, assessment, and recommended treatment interventions.

Meet your instructor

Suzänne Taylor PhD

Suzänne Taylor, PhD, MBA, OTR/L, has extensive experience in oncology rehabilitation including providing direct therapy interventions and presenting on state, regional, and national levels. Dr. Taylor has dedicated her career to furthering oncology rehabilitation education, research, and program development. Her clinical…

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Chapters & learning objectives

1. What is Cancer-Related Fatigue?

Helping cancer survivors and their loved ones understand that CRF is not the same as regular fatigue is the first step towards effective assessment and treatment. Join Dr. Taylor in this chapter as she provides a foundational understanding of CRF including prevalence, how long it may last, and the suspected underlying causes.

2. The Impact of Cancer-Related Fatigue

Fatigue, the most common symptom experienced, typically impacts cancer survivors on multiple levels, leading to a decreased quality of life. In this chapter Dr. Taylor begins explaining these impacts and resulting sequela of CRF in the areas of physical and cognitive functioning, work performance, mood, sense of self, and in relationships.

3. Screening, Assessing, and Evaluating Cancer-Related Fatigue

Considering that nearly all cancer survivors experience fatigue at some point between pre-diagnosis and through end of life, therapists should screen every client that has, or has had, cancer. In this chapter Dr. Taylor explains screening, assessing the impact of CRF, and evaluating physical, cognitive, and emotional fatigue along with contributing factors.

4. Treating Cancer-Related Fatigue

In this chapter Dr. Taylor explains the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Clinical Guidelines® for Cancer-Related Fatigue. In this chapter Dr. Taylor summarizes the evidence-based Category 1 interventions shown to help mitigate the impact of cancer-related fatigue.

More courses in this series

Understanding Cancer: Foundational Knowledge for Therapists

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Cancer Treatments and Side Effects: What Therapists Need to Know

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Oncologic Emergencies: Considerations for Therapists

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Oncology Rehabilitation: Optimizing Function for Cancer Survivors

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