Cancer-Related Fatigue and Depression Impact Survivors' Activity Levels and Quality of Life

Cancer survivors experiencing fatigue and depression often face significant challenges that reduce their engagement in physical and recreational activities, consequently affecting their overall quality of life. A recent retrospective study presented at the AACR Annual Meeting 2025 highlights that nearly twice as many survivors reporting cancer-related fatigue or depression tend to decrease their participation in enjoyable activities like walking, gardening, or sports. The study also found notable differences between genders: female survivors are 69% more likely to experience fatigue and 58% more prone to depression than males. Despite higher depression scores among women, men showed increased thoughts of self-harm, indicating potential gender-specific mental health risks.

Cancer-related fatigue affects over 80% of patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy and does not resolve with rest, persisting for long periods. Dr. Simo Du of NYC Health + Hospitals explained that fatigue profoundly impacts daily tasks, mental health, and overall well-being, often making routine activities overwhelming.

The research analyzed data from the NHANES surveys between 2015 and 2020, including responses from over 1,500 cancer survivors, representative of approximately 25 million survivors nationwide. The findings suggest that those experiencing fatigue are 86% more likely to reduce moderate recreational activities, while individuals feeling depressed are 65% more likely to limit both moderate and vigorous activities. Interestingly, neither condition significantly affected work-related activities.

The study emphasizes the importance of tailored interventions—such as exercise programs, support groups, and mind-body techniques—to help manage fatigue and promote participation in recreational activities, which are vital to maintaining quality of life. Future research aims to explore how inflammatory markers and gender differences influence fatigue and depression, as well as to assess the long-term effectiveness of targeted interventions.

While limitations include reliance on self-reported data, standardized NHANES protocols help ensure accuracy. These insights underscore the need for personalized approaches to improve survivorship outcomes for those battling fatigue and mental health challenges post-cancer treatment.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-04-cancer-fatigue-depression-decrease-physical.html