Attention to cancer-related physical and mental fatigue: Breaking the vicious cycle

Abstract

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) presents as a complex interplay between physical and mental fatigue, with mindfulness interventions offering a promising approach to alleviate both. These techniques, including mindfulness-based stress reduction, cognitive therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy, are designed to break the cycle of CRF by addressing its psychological and emotional aspects. This editorial integrates the latest research published by Liu et al, examining the reciprocal and harmful cyclical relationship between physical and mental CRF, and explores the causes and associated mindfulness interventions. We expect that future research will emphasize the identification and management of CRF, particularly focusing on the application of various mindfulness interventions in cancer survivors and patients undergoing cancer treatment, as well as the development of mindfulness in the era of new technologies.

Keywords: Cancer management; Cancer-related fatigue; Mental fatigue; Mindfulness; Mindfulness interventions; Physical fatigue.