cancer related fatigue suzy coughlan specialist dietitian in oncology
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Cancer Related Fatigue Suzy Coughlan Specialist Dietitian in Oncology. Fatigue What is fatigue/tiredness? How common is it?. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
What is Cancer Related Fatigue? (CRF)
Described as a ‘persistent subjective sense of tiredness related to cancer or cancer
treatment that interferes with usual functioning’ (Mock et al 2003)
Incidence
• 82% have fatigue for a few days in a month
• 56% have fatigue most days
• 7% have never experienced fatigueStone P, Richardson A, Ream E, Smith AG, Kerr DJ, Kearney N (2000) Cancer related fatigue. Results of a multi-centre patient survey: Annals of Oncology II pp 971-975
Causes• Surgery
• Radiotherapy
• Chemotherapy
• Adjuvant therapy i.e. hormone treatment
• Disease load
• Depression and anxiety• Anaemia• Hypothyroidism
Perpetuating factors• Inactivity and de-conditioning• Poor diet• Belief that activity will make fatigue worse• Sleep disturbance or disturbed circadian
rhythm• Pain and ongoing symptoms• Drug side effects• Psychological effects
Energy/fuel Analogy
Uses fuel from the tank
Activities of daily living
Work/activity
Exercise
Physiological function
How to manage your energy
• Always Plan ahead• Pace your self• Prioritise• Get the balance right (work, rest and play)• Delegate• What can you use to make it easier• Talk to others – be honest about how you feel
Importance of Exercise
• Improves output from the heart
• Improves oxygenation
• Increases muscle strength
• Improves mobility
• Mobilises fat for energy
• Beneficial effect on mood
How to Exercise
• Try to include a cardiovascular exercise such as walking as able
• Consider strengthening exercises • Plan exercise into your routine• Remember 30 minute recovery rule• Liaise with physio about adapting exercise
suitable to your symptoms• If exercise causes pain STOP and get advice
Importance of good nutrition
• Eat 3 meals a day and include snacks if very fatigued
• Do not skip meals or make do with non- nutritious snacks
• Include a carbohydrate at each meal• Enrich meals and snacks if experiencing weight
loss• Plan meals• Consider using convenience meals; Wiltshire
Farm Foods; Meals on Wheels +/or batch baking
Personal Goals
• Plan ahead to maintain control and to achieve what is important to you.
• Be realistic!
• Consider how you are feeling
• Breakdown plans into manageable chunks
• Communicate to family/friends/work