Evaluation of Fatigue and Comfort in Patients with Breast Cancer
Turk Onkoloji Dergisi, vol.41, no.1, pp.67-77, 2026 (ESCI, Scopus, TRDizin)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 41 Issue: 1
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.5505/tjo.2026.4729
- Journal Name: Turk Onkoloji Dergisi
- Journal Indexes: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus, CINAHL, EMBASE, TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
- Page Numbers: pp.67-77
- Keywords: Breast cancer, chemotherapy, comfort, fatigue, nursing care
- Trakya University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate fatigue and comfort levels in patients with breast cancer. METHODS This research was conducted between November 2021 and April 2022. The sample consisted of 218 breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment in a medical oncology clinic. Data were collected using a questionnaire form, the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), and the General Comfort Scale (GCS). RESULTS Patients had a mean age of 53.93±11.0. Active employment status, income level, smoking, presence of chronic diseases, continuous medication use, metastasis status, ECOG performance score, and sleep duration affected patients’ FSS scores (p<0.05). Patients had a mean GCS score of 140.61±11.42. Active employment status, income, tobacco use, continuous drug use, metastasis status, ECOG performance score, number of chemotherapy cycles and sleep duration affected patients’ GCS scores (p<0.05). There was a negative correlation between FSS and GCS scores (p<0.05). Disease status, ECOG performance score, sleep duration, and GCS relief and superiority subscale affected fatigue. Tobacco use, ECOG performance score, number of chemotherapy cycles, sleep duration, and fatigue severity affected comfort (p<0.05). CONCLUSION Patients were generally tired but had high comfort levels. There is a negative correlation between fatigue and comfort. Sociodemographic and disease-related characteristics affect fatigue and comfort.