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Review
. 2004 Nov 16;31(6):1069-75.
doi: 10.1188/04.ONF.1069-1075.

Fatigue, weight gain, and altered sexuality in patients with breast cancer: exploration of a symptom cluster

Margaret Chamberlain Wilmoth  1 , Elizabeth Ann Coleman, Steven C Smith, Carla Davis
Affiliations
Review

Fatigue, weight gain, and altered sexuality in patients with breast cancer: exploration of a symptom cluster

Margaret Chamberlain Wilmoth et al. Oncol Nurs Forum. .

Abstract

Purpose/objectives: To identify the symptom cluster of fatigue, weight gain, and altered sexuality caused by treatment for breast cancer.

Data sources: Published research and literature review articles.

Data synthesis: Fatigue, weight gain, and altered sexuality commonly occur after breast cancer chemotherapy. Each symptom has a significant impact on quality of life; however, viewing them as a symptom cluster magnifies their impact.

Conclusions: These symptoms have yet to be studied as a cluster. Exercise appears to be an intervention common to each that may be effective in reducing the severity of these treatment side effects.

Implications for nursing: Nurses should view symptoms caused by breast cancer treatment holistically, keeping in mind that a reciprocal relationship often exists among symptoms. Identification of symptom clusters with empirically derived interventions may enhance quality of care and quality of life for patients.

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