Title : Change in practice: The impact of physical activity on Cancer-Related Fatigue (CRF)
Abstract:
In cancer patients with fatigue, what is the effect of physical activity compared to rest in decreasing cancer-related fatigue (CRF)?
Cancer patients frequently suffer from a myriad of side effects due to their illness, with fatigue being one of the most common problems. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) defines cancer-related fatigue (CRF) as a distressing, persistent, subjective sense of physical, emotional, and/or cognitive tiredness or exhaustion related to cancer or cancer treatment that is not proportional to recent activity and interferes with usual functioning (NCCN, 2023). There is growing evidence that physical exercise helps to prevent and reduce the intensity of cancer-related fatigue. The NCCN recommends physical activity as a category 1 intervention. The aim of this research project is to improve cancer cancer-related fatigue (CRF) by evaluating the most recent evidence-based data on how physical activity helps decrease CRF. With this evidence-based data, an improvement plan can be initiated in the oncology field to properly assess and implement interventions as well as educate patients on CRF.
Audience Take Away Notes:
- The benefits of exercise on cancer-related fatigue (CRF)
- Screening tools for initial and continuing assessment of cancer-related fatigue (CRF)
- Guidelines for educating patients, family members and care-givers
