Fatigue in Cancer Patients Receiving Radical Anti -Cancer Treatments
Fatima Bhyat, M.Tech Radiography; Dr. Heather Lawrence, D.Tech Radiography

Abstract
Side effects from anti-cancer treatments remain inevitable. Cancer related fatigue (CRF) is a distressing effect experienced by many cancer patients, however, it remains a side effect that is under-reported and under treated.The aim of the study was to explore the prevalence and general patterns of fatigue in patients diagnosed with various types of cancers. In addition, the study explored whether tumour site and different multi-modal combinations of treatment, influenced fatigue levels. A survey, using a self-developed questionnaire, was conducted in three oncology centres in Gauteng, South Africa. Results showed that 80% of the participants experienced fatigue at the end of treatment, irrespective of the diagnosis. Moreover, various patterns for CRF were noted, with the type of cancer and anti- cancer treatments received, influencing fatigue levels. It is therefore imperative that CRF be reported and managed, to ensure a better quality of life (QoL) for all cancer patients.

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