Searching for Simplicity in the Complexity of Symptom Clusters.

Occam's razor proposes that the simplest solution is preferable; however, in the science of cancer and cancer symptoms, simple solutions have been elusive. Understanding individual symptoms continues to confound the science community, and symptom cluster science appears to be an incredibly complex schema of individual symptoms co-occurring and interacting with one another. The simplest explanation for symptom clusters would be a common underlying mechanism at the human genome level.

Putting evidence into practice: an update of evidence-based interventions for cancer-related fatigue during and following treatment.

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) has deleterious effects on physical, social, cognitive, and vocational functioning, and causes emotional and spiritual distress for patients and their families; however, it remains under-recognized and undertreated. This article critically reviews and integrates the available empirical evidence supporting the efficacy of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatment approaches to CRF, highlighting new evidence since 2007 and 2009 Putting Evidence Into Practice publications. Interventions that are recommended for practice or likely to be effective in improving fatigue outcomes include exercise; screening for treatable risk factors; management of concurrent symptoms; yoga; structured rehabilitation; Wisconsin ginseng; cognitive-behavioral therapies for insomnia, pain, and depression; mindfulness-based stress reduction; and psychoeducational interventions such as anticipatory guidance, psychosocial support, and energy conservation and activity management.

The effect of aging and cancer on the symptom experience and physical function of elderly breast cancer survivors.

Background: The majority of cancer survivors are aged ≥ 65 years, yet, historically, cancer research has focused infrequently on older patients. The objective of this study was to examine predictors of physical function within a framework that integrates the gerontologic and oncologic needs of older cancer survivors.

Methods: Path analysis tested 759 women who were breast cancer survivors aged ≥ 70 years from the American Cancer Society Study of Cancer Survivors II to examine the cancer, aging, and personal characteristics that had an impact on symptoms and physical functioning.