Chemotherapy is a common treatment for breast cancer. However, it often comes with side effects, one of which is fatigue. Fatigue is a feeling of extreme tiredness that affects the quality of life of cancer patients. A clinical trial has found that a type of talk therapy called cognitive-behavioral therapy, combined with a technique called activity pacing, can help manage cancer-related fatigue in patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy.
Clinical Trial
The trial was conducted on patients with severe fatigue, and they were randomly assigned to one of two groups: the cognitive-behavioral therapy with activity pacing group, or the usual care group. The cognitive-behavioral therapy with activity pacing group underwent seven sessions, which included three 2-hour face-to-face meetings and four 30-minute phone calls.
At the end of the seven sessions and after three months, the patients were evaluated based on their fatigue levels, depression levels, and quality of life. The data were analyzed using a method called repeated measures analyses of covariance (RM-ANCOVA).
Results
The results of the trial showed that the cognitive-behavioral therapy with activity pacing group experienced a significant reduction in fatigue from the beginning of the intervention to the end of it and even after three months. Compared to the usual care group, the cognitive-behavioral therapy with activity pacing group had lower fatigue and depression levels and higher global health status scores.
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Cognitive-behavioral Therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a type of talk therapy that helps people change negative thoughts and behaviors. The goal is to help individuals develop coping strategies and problem-solving skills that they can use in everyday life.
Activity Pacing
Activity pacing is a technique used in occupational therapy that involves breaking activities down into smaller, more manageable tasks and taking frequent rest breaks.
Combining these two techniques, cognitive-behavioral therapy with activity pacing can help people manage cancer-related fatigue. By changing negative thought patterns and behaviors and breaking activities down into smaller tasks, individuals can conserve energy and manage their fatigue more effectively.
While the trial showed promising results, it is important to note that cognitive-behavioral therapy with activity pacing may not work for everyone. Additionally, more research is needed to determine the long-term effects of this therapy on cancer-related fatigue.
Conclusion
Cancer-related fatigue is a common side effect of chemotherapy that affects the quality of life of patients. However, cognitive-behavioral therapy with activity pacing can be an effective way to manage this symptom in patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy. The trial showed that this therapy helped reduce fatigue and depression levels and improve the quality of life of the patients. It is important to integrate this therapy into routine cancer care to help patients manage their fatigue and improve their quality of life.
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This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician. All readers/viewers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. CenTrial Data Ltd. does not take responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content.
Treatments and clinical trials mentioned may not be appropriate or available for all trial participants. Outcomes from treatments and clinical trials may vary from person to person. Consult with your doctor as to whether a clinical trial is a suitable option for your condition.
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