A holistic profile for cancer-related fatigue for women with breast cancer–a qualitative study

Abstract

Objective: Cancer- related fatigue (CRF) is one of the most reported long-term effects after breast cancer and severely impacts quality of life. To come towards optimal treatment of multidimensional CRF, the first step is to use a holistic approach to develop a holistic patient profile including the patient’s experience and impact of CRF on their life. Methodsandmeasures: Four semi- structured focus groups with twenty- seven breast cancer patients and fourteen interviews with healthcare professionals (HCPs) were held. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to define (sub)themes for the holistic patient profile. The themes of the interviews and focus groups were compared for validity. Results: Breast cancer patients and HCPs described the same five major themes, consisting of experience of CRF, impact and consequences, coping, personality, and CRF treatment. Experience of CRF consists of cognitive, emotional, and physical aspects. Impact and consequences include work, family, partner relation, social contact and hobbies, body, and misunderstanding. Coping consists of twelve (mal)adaptive strategies. Personality and CRF treatment were summarised as themes. Conclusions: A first holistic patient profile was introduced for CRF for breast cancer. This profile can be conceptualized into a questionnaire to collect information for personalized treatment recommendations and monitoring of CRF over time.