Prevalence and factors associated with cancer-related fatigue in Swiss adult survivors of childhood cancer

PurposeReported prevalence of cancer-related fatigue (CRF) among childhood cancer survivors (CCS) varies widely, and evidence on factors associated with CRF among CCS is limited. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of CRF and its associated factors among adult CCS in Switzerland.MethodsIn a prospective cohort study, we invited adult CCS who survived at least 5 years since last cancer diagnosis, and were diagnosed when age 0-20 years and treated at Inselspital Bern between 1976 and 2015 to complete two fatigue-measuring instruments: the Checklist Individual Strength subjective fatigue subscale (CIS8R; increased fatigue 27-34, severe fatigue >= 35) and the numerical rating scale (NRS; moderate fatigue 4-6, severe fatigue 7-10). We collected information about previous cancer treatment and medical history, and calculated beta coefficients for the association between CIS8R/NRS fatigue scores and potential determinants using multivariable linear regression.ResultsWe included 158 CCS (participation rate: 30%) with a median age at study of 33 years (interquartile range 26-38). Based on CIS8R, 19% (N = 30) of CCS reported increased fatigue, yet none reported severe fatigue. CRF was associated with female sex, central nervous system (CNS) tumors, sleep disturbance, and endocrine disorders. Lower CRF levels were observed among CCS age 30-39 years compared to those younger.ConclusionsA considerable proportion of adult CCS reported increased levels of CRF.Implications for Cancer SurvivorsCCS who are female and < 30 years old, have a history of CNS tumor, report sleep disturbance, or have an endocrine disorder should be screened for CRF.

Automated summary

The prevalence of cancer-related fatigue (CRF) among childhood cancer survivors (CCS) in Switzerland is relatively high. Female sex, central nervous system (CNS) tumors, sleep disturbance, and endocrine disorders are associated with CRF in adult CCS. CCS aged 30-39 years tend to have lower levels of CRF.