Contributing factors to the experience of Cancer-Related Fatigue (CRF) before and after treatment with chemotherapy

Abstract

Cancer and cancer treatment can have substantial and long-lasting physical, psychological and social repercussions that can significantly diminish quality of life (QOL). This thesis focussed on cancer-related fatigue (CRF), an important and often overlooked aspect of cancer survivorship. Although CRF is the most common side- effect of cancer, its causes are not adequately understood. This thesis examined a range of psychological, biological, behavioural and cognitive contributing factors to CRF.