Br J Nutr. 2025 Dec 9:1-32. doi: 10.1017/S0007114525105862. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
Cancer-related fatigue is a common problem among colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors even after completion of treatment. In a randomized trial, we assessed the effect of a person-centred lifestyle program on cancer-related fatigue among CRC survivors who completed treatment.Survivors who completed treatment at least six months but no longer than five years ago, and who were experiencing cancer-related fatigue were randomized to intervention or control group. The intervention group worked with a lifestyle coach for six months during 12 sessions, to stepwise increase adherence to the World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute of Cancer Research cancer prevention guidelines on healthy diet and physical activity. Control group did not receive lifestyle coaching. Changes in cancer-related fatigue from baseline to six months were assessed with the FACIT-Fatigue Scale. As secondary outcome, we assessed changes in health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Higher scores indicate less fatigue and better HRQoL.80 participants were randomized to the intervention group; 81 to the control group. Baseline characteristics were similar: mean age 64.1±10.9 years, 55.3% women, 72% had colon cancer. There were favourable changes in dietary behaviours and physical activity in the intervention group; the control group did not show changes to the same extent. The program did not result in statistically significant differential changes over time between intervention and control group in cancer-related fatigue (0.8; 95%CI -1.6,3.2) or HRQoL (1.3; 95%CI -2.2,4.8).A person-centred lifestyle program improved lifestyle of CRC survivors, but the program was not effective in reducing cancer-related fatigue or in improving HRQoL.
PMID:41363069 | DOI:10.1017/S0007114525105862
