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Fatigue and Cancer Scientific Updates, 5

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Reviewer: Lora Packel MS, PT, Coordinator of Cancer Rehabilitation
The Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania
Last Modified: March 24, 2002

The European School of Oncology is a non-profit organization that brings together leading experts in oncology to discuss and debate various topics that affect the person with cancer. Volume five, is a compilation of scientific updates, geared towards the clinician, regarding fatigue and cancer.

Cancer related fatigue (CRF) has moved to the forefront of the diagnosis, treatment and aftercare for the person with cancer. Fatigue has been reported in up to 80-90% of people with cancer. It affects quality of life and decision-making regarding the treatment plan of care. The sixteen chapters in Fatigue and Cancer discuss various definitions of fatigue, the latest theories and treatment strategies and the impact on overall quality of life.

The chapters are short (5-10 pages) in length and are presented as research presentation/reviews of literature. The terminology used in some of the chapters is quite technical and would not be appropriate for general consumption. The chapters on intervention and clinical screening are extremely useful for application in the clinic.

This book serves an important role in gathering the most salient information on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer related fatigue. Clinicians will find this book useful in creating screening tools for fatigue and integrating treatment strategies into the medical model.