Cancer-Related Fatigue and Daily Living Activities in Pediatric Cancer Survivors

Cancer-related long-term complications such as cardiovascular disease, fatigue, weight-related problems, and emotional disturbances are found to be increased in pediatric cancer survivors (PCSs). The relationship between daily living activities (DLAs) and such complications is still being investigated. Our aim in this study was to investigate the relationship between the cancer-related fatigue and DLA in PCS. Cancer-related fatigue was assessed by PedsQL Multidimensional Fatigue Scale (MFS) and visual analog scale (VAS). The DLA was evaluated by WeeFIM. There were 77 PCS (44 boys) with a mean age of 10.76 years. The mean value of fatigue scales were VAS 2.48, and MFS total score 71.14. WeeFIM total result was 118.64. While there was a statistically significant relationship between VAS fatigue score and WeeFIM total score (r=-0.387; P=0.007), there was no such correlation between WeeFIM total score with MFS total score (r=0.250; P=0.080). It is established that there is a relationship between level of fatigue and DLA. Risk factors like tumor type or treatment modalities for fatigue should be investigated in larger samples of specific survivor groups. Fatigue and its association with DLA should be screened clinically as a routine surveillance in PCS and treatment options be planned.

Automated summary

Cancer-related long-term complications are increased in pediatric cancer survivors (PCSs). This study investigates the relationship between cancer-related fatigue and daily living activities (DLAs) in PCS. Fatigue was assessed using PedsQL Multidimensional Fatigue Scale (MFS) and visual analog scale (VAS), while DLA was evaluated using WeeFIM. The results show a significant relationship between VAS fatigue score and WeeFIM total score, indicating the impact of fatigue on DLA.