Chemotherapy-Induced Cancer-Related Fatigue in Cervical and Breast Cancer Survivors: A Cross-Sectional Study in Surabaya, Indonesia

Cervical and breast cancers are the two top leading cases of female cancer worldwide. Both cases’ regiments usually involve chemotherapy to some extends. One of the side effects of chemotherapy usage in cancer management is the occurrence of cancer-related fatigue (CRF) resulted in impaired quality of life. This study aimed to analyze the effect of chemotherapy on CRF in cervical and breast cancer survivors. This cross-sectional study involved 41 and 26 cervical and breast cancer survivors respectively, in the district of Rangkah, Gading, and Pacarkeling, Surabaya, Indonesia. Instrument of Fatigue Symptom Inventory (FSI) was used in data collection. Independent sample T test, Mann-Whitney U test, and linear regression test were used in data analysis (α<.05). Results showed that most respondents undertook chemotherapy only or in combination with surgery and radiotherapy (@32.8%). As a side effect, most respondents experienced mild fatigue (64.2%). Regiment for both cases was not significantly different (p=.076), but CRF level between both cases was significantly different (p=.009). Chemotherapy has no significant effect on CRF both in cervical and breast cancer survivors (p=.060 and p=.784 respectively). Other potential factors possibly play a more important role in determining CRF level in both cases, such as cancer symptom, malnutrition, infection, comorbidity, psychological and emotional distress