Cancer-related fatigue affects more than 80% of patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Unlike typical fatigue, it persists for weeks, months, or even years and impacts daily activities and mental health. According to a recent study presented at the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2025, female cancer survivors are nearly twice as likely to experience cancer-related fatigue and depression compared to male survivors.
Researchers analyzed data from over 1,500 cancer survivors and found that females reported higher levels of depression and were more than three times as likely to reduce their recreational activities due to cancer-related fatigue. The reasons behind these differences may include slower drug clearance in female bodies, social roles taking on greater caregiving responsibilities, and potentially increased suicide risk in male survivors.
The study highlights the importance of providing tailored interventions such as exercise programs, support groups, and mind-body behavioral techniques to manage cancer-related fatigue and improve participation in recreational activities. Future studies will evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions and explore potential connections between cancer-related fatigue and inflammatory markers, with a focus on gender differences.
Source: https://www.news-medical.net/news/20250429/Cancer-related-fatigue-and-depression-found-to-limit-recreational-activities-in-survivors.aspx