Background: Survivors with head and neck cancer (HNC) report cancer-related fatigue (CRF) as a devastating, prevalent health issue that limits activity engagement and adversely influences quality of life.
Objective: To explore HNC survivors' written responses and descriptors regarding CRF, and offer potential healthcare strategies based on findings.
Methodology: In written format, similar to responses on intake forms in outpatient-clinics, 25 HNC survivors provided descriptions of their CRF experiences and their perspectives on its impact. An exploratory descriptive research design was utilized, drawing on social theory for content analysis and thematic development.
Results: Two main themes regarding CRF arose from the data: (1) CRF as a barrier to daily function; and (2) uncontrollable and unpredictable energy fluctuations.
Conclusions: To enhance outcomes of CRF symptom management in HNC survivors, a healthcare approach that targets the functional implications of CRF, and utilizes energy cultivation strategies when communicating about the negative impacts of CRF (including limited function and fluctuating energy levels) may be beneficial for HNC survivors. Further research into the effects of CRF on function for HNC survivors is warranted.
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