Nonpharmacological Interventions in the Treatment of Cancer-Related Fatigue

One of the most exhausting and common complications of cancer and its treatments is cancer-related fatigue. According to the results reported from various studies, non-pharmacological interventions are preferable to pharmaceutical treatments. The purpose of the present study was to investigate non-pharmacological approaches effective on cancer-related fatigue. Based on the results of various studies, there is much evidence of the positive effect of exercise and acupuncture on reducing cancer-related fatigue during and after treatments. Existing studies on psycho-social support, sleep modification, nutrition, and complementary and alternative medicine methods, such as massage and touch, yoga, relaxation and meditation, and herbal medicines, suggest that these methods can reduce or eliminate related fatigue. In general, it seems that all the methods discussed in this study are non-invasive, low-risk, and relatively cheap methods that can be used alongside common treatments or even replace pharmaceutical methods. It is hoped that such studies will be used for evidence-based performance in reducing fatigue in cancer patients.