Study explores link between breast cancer treatment and fatigue

Researchers are probing why breast cancer patients face lasting fatigue after treatment, with exhaustion affecting up to 90 per cent during therapy.

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) — persistent tiredness not eased by rest — can affect mood, activity and work life. Many survivors report symptoms for months or years after treatment.

A University of Brighton team is exploring whether cancer and its treatments alter how the brain reads body signals, potentially increasing exhaustion.

“Cancer-related fatigue is one of the most distressing, frustrating and least understood side effects of cancer treatment.” said Dr Jeanne Dekerle, principal investigator.

“We want to understand why it affects some patients more than others, and how this influences their ability to be active.”

“If we can understand the brain’s role in fatigue, we can help people recover faster, feel more energetic and live more fully after cancer.”

The study will recruit approximately 80 women aged 18 to 60, divided into groups of breast cancer survivors experiencing CRF and healthy women of similar ages.

Researchers aim to find out whether those with cancer-related exhaustion perceive body signals differently from healthy individuals.

The team hopes the findings will inform development of personalised treatments and exercise programmes tailored to patients’ needs.