Karen Mustian, PhD, MPH, ACSM of the University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, NY, discusses various fatigue dimensions and treatments, highlighting the difference between treatment for mental and physical fatigue. For mental fatigue both aerobic and anaerobic activity could be prescribed for patients. It would be suggested to the patient to do 10 minutes a day, most days of the week (3-5 days a week) in order to see a change in the mental fatigue. However, Dr Mustian highlights that the prescription would be different for physical fatigue. The data and evidence suggest that patients need to do 20-30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic and anaerobic activity a day in order for them to reduce physical fatigue. Dr Mustian states that exercise is one of the most important things that can be offered to patients in terms of supportive care. In a cancer arena, exercise should be part of a standard of care, as the evidence shows benefits in cases of fatigue, depression, physical function, cachexia, sarcopenia, infections, nausea, vomiting, and others. Recorded at the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) and International Society of Ocular Oncology (ISOO) 2016 Annual Meeting on Supportive Care in Cancer held in Adelaide, Australia.
