The effect of a person-centred lifestyle program on cancer-related fatigue in colorectal cancer survivors: a randomized trial

Abstract

Abstract Cancer-related fatigue is a common problem among colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors even after completion of treatment. In a randomized trial, we assessed the effect of a person-centred lifestyle program on cancer-related fatigue among CRC survivors who completed treatment. Survivors who completed treatment at least six months but no longer than five years ago, and who were experiencing cancer-related fatigue were randomized to intervention or control group. The intervention group worked with a lifestyle coach for six months during 12 sessions, to stepwise increase adherence to the World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute of Cancer Research cancer prevention guidelines on healthy diet and physical activity. Control group did not receive lifestyle coaching. Changes in cancer-related fatigue from baseline to six months were assessed with the FACIT-Fatigue Scale. As secondary outcome, we assessed changes in health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Higher scores indicate less fatigue and better HRQoL. 80 participants were randomized to the intervention group; 81 to the control group. Baseline characteristics were similar: mean age 64.1±10.9 years, 55.3% women, 72% had colon cancer. There were favourable changes in dietary behaviours and physical activity in the intervention group; the control group did not show changes to the same extent. The program did not result in statistically significant differential changes over time between intervention and control group in cancer-related fatigue (0.8; 95%CI -1.6,3.2) or HRQoL (1.3; 95%CI -2.2,4.8). A person-centred lifestyle program improved lifestyle of CRC survivors, but the program was not effective in reducing cancer-related fatigue or in improving HRQoL.

Affiliated Institutions

• Deventer Ziekenhuis NL
• Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation NL
• Flevoziekenhuis NL
• Rijnstate Hospital NL
• Maastricht University NL
• Wageningen University & Research NL
• Ziekenhuis Gelderse Vallei NL

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