Muna Al-Khaifi, Lead of Breast Cancer Survivorship Program and GP oncologist, Skin Cancer Clinic at Sunnybrook, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“I’m pleased to see our paper now published.
Cancer-related fatigue affects an estimated 70–100% of people diagnosed with cancer, making it one of the most common and distressing symptoms across the cancer care continuum. Despite this, fatigue remains underrecognized and inconsistently managed in routine practice.
In this review, we summarize the evidence showing that cancer-related fatigue can emerge before treatment, worsen during active therapy, and persist long after treatment completion. It is multifactorial in origin and varies widely in severity and duration, underscoring the need for systematic assessment rather than assumptions.
We highlight the importance of routine screening using validated self-report tools, such as numeric rating scales and multidimensional questionnaires, to improve recognition. Management should begin with identifying and addressing reversible contributing factors, followed by individualized, multimodal interventions.
The strongest evidence supports non-pharmacological approaches, particularly structured physical activity, cognitive behavioral therapy, and mindfulness-based interventions. Complementary strategies such as massage therapy, nutritional support, and bright light therapy show potential benefit, while pharmacologic treatments remain limited and should be reserved for selected cases.
This work aligns closely with approaches we have been developing along similar lines, and I hope it helps clinicians feel more confident in addressing fatigue as a clinically significant and potentially modifiable symptom, with meaningful implications for quality of life in people living with and beyond cancer. Thanks to all co-authors who supported this work.”
Title: Cancer-related fatigue in cancer survivors: an updated clinical practice review for healthcare providers
Authors: Jashmira K. Bhinder, Daniel Astray, Samantha K. F. Kennedy, Malika Peera, Shing Fung Lee, Edward Chow, Henry C. Y. Wong, Darren Haywood, Nicolas H. Hart, Muna Al-Khaifi
Read the Full Article.
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