Abstract
Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is one of the most reported late and long-term effects after breast cancer. CRF is a complex, multidimensional symptom that severely impairs quality of life (QoL). When CRF persists for more than three months after completion of breast cancer treatment, treatment for CRF is required to reduce its impact. Treatment with different treatment concepts, e.g., physical activity and psychological, are available and have shown effectiveness on group level. However, the treatments are not available for everyone or do not lead to improvement of CRF for every individual. Effective treatment should target the underlying perpetuating factors and align with the patient’s preferences for treatment attributes. Patients express strong unmet needs in the management of CRF, emphasizing the need for personalized treatment advice in addition to efficacy and availability.
Therefore, the overall aim was to holistically assess the individual’s needs, the experience of CRF, and the preferences for CRF treatment attributes. To assess the individual’s needs and experience of CRF, we developed the first holistic assessment of cancer-related fatigue (HA-CRF) questionnaire. Additionally, we developed a survey to assess preferences for CRF treatment attributes. Both questionnaires were developed based on extensive input from both (former) patients with breast cancer and healthcare professionals, and a thorough literature review. The HA-CRF showed good face and excellent content validity, and provided useful suggestions for implementation into the daily life of breast cancer survivors. The data collected with the HA-CRF questionnaire, and the preference survey could inform decision rules to develop a personalized treatment advice for CRF. Monitoring CRF and the personalized treatment advice has the potential to support breast cancer survivors and facilitate shared decision-making by aligning treatment referral with individual needs and preferences.
Therefore, the overall aim was to holistically assess the individual’s needs, the experience of CRF, and the preferences for CRF treatment attributes. To assess the individual’s needs and experience of CRF, we developed the first holistic assessment of cancer-related fatigue (HA-CRF) questionnaire. Additionally, we developed a survey to assess preferences for CRF treatment attributes. Both questionnaires were developed based on extensive input from both (former) patients with breast cancer and healthcare professionals, and a thorough literature review. The HA-CRF showed good face and excellent content validity, and provided useful suggestions for implementation into the daily life of breast cancer survivors. The data collected with the HA-CRF questionnaire, and the preference survey could inform decision rules to develop a personalized treatment advice for CRF. Monitoring CRF and the personalized treatment advice has the potential to support breast cancer survivors and facilitate shared decision-making by aligning treatment referral with individual needs and preferences.
| Original language | English |
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| Qualification | Doctor of Philosophy |
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| Award date | 17 Oct 2025 |
| Place of Publication | Enschede |
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| Print ISBNs | 978-90-365-6771-8 |
| Electronic ISBNs | 978-90-365-6772-5 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 17 Oct 2025 |
