Cancer-Related Fatigue, Laboratory Markers as Indicators for Nutritional Status among Patients with Colorectal Cancer

Abstract

Our objective was to determine the relationship between cancer-related fatigue (CRF), laboratory markers, and nutritional status among patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). A cross-sectional design was used. A sample of 80 participants diagnosed with CRC participated and completed the study's surveys including the patient-generated subjective global assessment (PG-SGA), cancer fatigue scale (CFS), laboratory markers sheet, and patient-related factors sheet. Positive relationships were identified between PG-SGA and CRF, physical fatigue, cognitive fatigue, WBC, and calcium level (r = 0.781, 0.820, 0.751, 0.680, and 0.710; P = 0.001 respectively). Negative relationships were found between PG-SGA and sodium, potassium, and hemoglobin levels (r = -0.801, -0.761, and -0.810; P = 0.001 respectively). The regression analysis revealed an R₂ = 0.610 (adjusted R₂ = 0.590), F (4.58, P < 0.001). Finally, the above-mentioned independent variables accounted for 61.0% of the variance in PG-SGA. Patients with CRC are experiencing nutritional problems during their treatment. Cancer-related fatigue and other laboratory markers are considered indicators for nutritional status. Clinical dietitians and oncology nurses can work together to monitor these parameters and provide clinical treatment when needed.