Cancer-related fatigue and activities of daily living: lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

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Background Cancer-related fatigue is a prevalent condition in all stages of oncologic disease that is poorly diagnosed, with a negative impact on physical function to perform activities of daily living. Fatigue is also one of the main manifestations in post-COVID-19 syndrome, and few studies have explored the functionality of cancer patients after infection by the new coronavirus. This study was designed to assess cancer-related fatigue symptoms and their implications on physical function and quality of life during the pandemic. Methodology An observational study with a cross-sectional survey in cancer patients≥18 years of age was conducted. The Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy - Fatigue Scale (FACIT-F), the perception of asthenia and performance status were evaluated, and the differences between groups according to the history of COVID-19 were calculated. Results A total of 60 cancer patients had an average age of 33.5±10.11 years, 73.3% were female, and 98.3% had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group-Performance Status level<2. Severe fatigue was found in 43.3% of patients, and the average FACIT-F score was 33.5±10.11. The proportion of coronavirus infection was 13,3%, and the performance of this group was worse on the scale compared to the group without infection (25±10,40 vs. 34,81±9,50 [p=0,009]). There was a significant correlation between visual analog scale values and FACIT-F scale scores (Pearson’s r = -0.76). Conclusion SARS-CoV-2 infection could increase cancer-related fatigue symptoms, limiting activities of daily living and impairing quality of life.