Fatigue in children and adolescents with cancer: evolution of a program of study

Abstract

Objectives: To describe the development of a research program focused on cancer-related fatigue in children and adolescents and the resulting definition and model.

Data sources: Research studies, review articles, and clinical examples.

Conclusions: Fatigue has been identified by children and adolescents who are receiving treatment for cancer as one of the most distressing treatment-related symptoms they experience, yet fatigue is rarely assessed by health professionals and infrequently reported by patients or their parents.

Implications for nursing practice: An improved understanding of the contributory and alleviating factors that cause fatigue in this patient population will provide them with greater comfort during treatment for cancer.