Assessing cancer-related fatigue: Validation of the Korean version of the cancer fatigue scale among cancer survivors

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to validate the Korean version of the Cancer Fatigue Scale (CFS-K) as a reliable tool for assessing cancer-related fatigue (CRF) for cancer survivors. Methods: A total of 208 cancer survivors who completed active treatment participated in evaluating the reliability, construct validity, and factor structure of the CFS-K through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Correlations with the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACT-F) and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core-30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) scales were analyzed to assess construct validity. Results: The CFS-K demonstrated strong psychometric properties, with high internal consistency (Cronbach's α ​= ​0.875) and CFA validated a three-factor structure (physical, cognitive, and affective fatigue) with acceptable model fit indices (normed χ2 ​= ​2.62, CFI ​= ​0.899, TLI ​= ​0.878, RMSEA ​= ​0.088, SRMR ​= ​0.069). The standardized factor loadings for all items exceeded 0.5. Construct validity was confirmed through strong correlations with FACT-F (r ​= ​0.43–0.73) and significant correlations with EORTC QLQ-C30 subscales. Cancer survivors reported significantly higher fatigue levels across all subscales than controls. Conclusions: The CFS-K is a reliable and valid tool for assessing multidimensional CRF in cancer survivors.