Testicular cancer survivors may have increased fatigue

the Oncology Nurse Advisor take:

A recent study explored whether chronic fatigue is more prevalent in survivors of testicular cancer than the general population.

Researchers reviewed 812 testicular cancer survivors that were treated between 1980 and 1994. Respondents completed questionnaires and were also asked for blood samples.

Two surveys were conducted: Survey I (1998-2002) and Survey II (2007-2008). Logistic regression analysis was employed to examine associations between fatigue levels and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), physical activity, hormone levels, treatment, neurotoxicity, and comorbidity.

The researchers, led by Dr. Jan Oldenburg (Department of Oncology, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway, & University of Oslo, Norway), found increased prevalence of chronic fatigue (15% up to 27% at Survey II). High neuropathy levels showed increased chronic fatigue (3-4-fold).

Higher levels of HADS-Anxiety and HADS-Depression showed increased chronic fatigue risk of 2-5-fold, respectively. Life style interventions, moderate physical activity, and treatment for depression/anxiety demonstrated some protective effect.

The study authors recommend additional research with extended, long-term follow-up reporting.