Cancer-related Fatigue | Evaluation (1)

 Cancer and Fatigue: evaluation of fatigue

As I mentioned earlier, fatigue is a self-perceived state which is multi-dimensional in nature. Hence, it requires to be assessed using multi-dimensional tools or scales which evaluate all possible aspects of fatigue. This will help formulate a better treatment plan for every individual.

There are many scales available and appropriate for evaluation of Cancer-related Fatigue.

Uni-dimentional scales:
These simple scales can be used in busy clinical set-ups and also for quick follow-ups.
These scales do not evaluate every aspect of fatigue. However, they are used widely in clinical practice.

For example-

• Verbal rating scale (none, mild, moderate, severe)
• Linear analog scale assessment (LASA)
• Numerical rating scale

Numerical Rating Scale

• These scales can be useful in case of children.
• If the patient claims to have a very high level of fatigue then he/she can be evaluated for other factors like psychological distress, pain, co-morbidities, anemia, nutrition deficiency, sleep, etc.
• One of these scales can also be used as the 1st step of evaluation of fatigue which should be followed by a multi dimensional scale.

Also , a few simple questions regarding fatigue can be used. For example,

• Are you/ have you been experiencing fatigue?

• If yes, how severe has it been in the past week ? (use the numerical rating scale)

• Is the fatigue interfering in you activities of daily living, your ability to concentrate, your work, etc

Also read
 5 reasons why you should study Oncology.
Cancer and surgery.
What is Radiation oncology?
What is Cancer-related fatigue?
What is psycho-oncology?
12 causes of cancer.
Cancer in 21st century.