EVALUATING THE BURDEN OF FATIGUE ON HEALTH AND WELL-BEING IN GYNAECOLOGICAL CANCER SURVIVORS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH ANALYSIS

In Pakistan, as cancer treatment options continue to evolve, more people are surviving the disease. However, many survivors face long-term challenges, including persistent side effects that can last for years after treatment. Cancer-related fatigue is one of the most common side effect reported by survivors, regardless of the type or stage of cancer they had. This ongoing exhaustion can significantly impact their daily lives and overall well-being.  Objective: This study investigated cancer-related fatigue in gynaecological cancer survivors, focusing on its prevalence and relationship to distress, quality of life, demographics and treatment factors. Methodology: The cross sectional study was conducted in Abbasi Shaheed hospital, Karachi from July 2023 to June 2024, using a detail short form (SF-36) questionnaire. The study involved 120 women treated for gynaecological cancers, who completed questionnaires assessing fatigue, psychological distress, health-related quality of life and demographics. Additionally, their medical records were reviewed to gather information on disease and treatment characteristics. Results: The study revealed that cancer-related fatigue affected 53% of women treated for gynecological cancers, with cervical cancer patients experiencing it most frequently followed by ovarian cancer patients. Younger women were more likely to report fatigue than older women. However, when age was taken into account, the type of cancer had minimal impact on fatigue risk. Women with fatigue reported higher levels of anxiety and depression and their quality of life was also affected, as shown by lower scores in various SF-36 domains. Conclusion: The study highlighted the need for routine screening, patient education and effective symptom management for fatigue. This should be a standard part of treatment and follow-up care, addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of fatigue to provide comprehensive support.