TY - JOUR T1 - Prevalence, Changes in and Correlates of Fatigue in the First Year after Diagnosis of Testicular Cancer JF - Anticancer Research JO - Anticancer Res SP - 4647 LP - 4653 VL - 25 IS - 6C AU - JOKE FLEER AU - DIRK T. SLEIJFER AU - HARALD J. HOEKSTRA AU - MARRIT A. TUINMAN AU - JOSETTE E.H.M. HOEKSTRA-WEEBERS Y1 - 2005/11/01 UR - http://ar.iiarjournals.org/content/25/6C/4647.abstract N2 - Aim: To examine fatigue among testicular cancer patients during the first year after diagnosis. Patients and Methods: Fifteen patients treated with orchidectomy (group 1) and 37 treated with orchidectomy plus chemotherapy (group 2) were assessed within 1 month after orchidectomy, and 3 and 12 months later. Fatigue, sociodemographics, anemia, testosterone levels and trait anxiety were assessed. Results: At T1 and T3, the groups reported similar levels of fatigue. Increased fatigue was found in group 2 at T2. A continuing decrease in fatigue was found in group 1. At T3, patients reported similar levels of fatigue as healthy individuals. Older age, trait anxiety and earlier levels of fatigue were predictive of fatigue, while anemia and testosterone levels were not. Conclusion: Fatigue seems not to be an enduring problem for testicular cancer patients, with treatment only having an impact on fatigue levels shortly after treatment. Highly anxious patients and those who were fatigued after orchidectomy might benefit from a multidisciplinary intervention. Copyright© 2005 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. John G. Delinassios), All rights reserved ER -