Cancer related fatigue and its associated factors with colorectal cancer patients

This descriptive study includes cancer related fatigue and its associated factors with colorectal cancer patients.The sampling for the study was 70 colorectal cancer patients who applied Dokuz Eylül University Hospital and Izmir Ataturk Hospital between May 2007 and December 2007. Data was collected by personal information paper, Brief Fatigue Inventory and Karnosfky Performance Scale.Before chemoradiotheraphy, colorectal cancer patients fatigue level was found mild. There is a weak association among fatigue level, activity level, physiological conditions, walking ability, responsibilities, and communications with the others. There was not found association between hemoglobin level and fatigue. However there is a weak association between performance status and fatigue. At the same time sociodemographic factors, stage of disease, surgery, body mass index are not affected the fatigue level.According to results of this study; fatigue should be evaluate before chemoradiotheraphy, during chemoradiotheraphy and after chemoradiotheraphy. At the same time intervals should be determine to evaluate after weeks, months and years after chemoradiotheraphy.Key words: Cancer related fatigue, colorectal cancer, nursing