Positive Health Online

Abstract

EE and COLLEAGUES, (1)NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797,;Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia; Supportive Care and Integrative Oncology Department, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, PO Box M33, Missenden Road, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia; Caring Futures Institute, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide 5001, South Australia, Australia; Translational Health Institute, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith 2751, NSW, Australia. Electronic address: c.ee@westernsydney.edu.au .(2)Supportive Care and Integrative Oncology Department, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, PO Box M33, Missenden Road, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia. Electronic address: shelley.kay@lh.org.au .(3)Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute (Sleep Health), Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide 5001, South Australia, Australia; Adelaide Institute for Sleep Health, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide 5001, South Australia, Australia. Electronic address: amy.reynolds@flinders.edu.au (4)Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute (Sleep Health), Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide 5001, South Australia, Australia; Adelaide Institute for Sleep Health, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide 5001, South Australia, Australia. Electronic address: nicole.lovato@flinders.edu.au ;.(5)NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia; Supportive Care and Integrative Oncology Department, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, PO Box M33, Missenden Road, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia; School of Medicine, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia. Electronic address: judith.lacey@lh.org.au ;.(6)Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute (Sleep Health), Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide 5001, South Australia, Australia; Department of Medical Oncology, Flinders Medical Centre, Flinders Drive, Bedford Park 5042, South Australia, Australia. Electronic address: bogda.koczwara@flinders.edu.au.  reviewed synthesised evidence on lifestyle and integrative oncology interventions for cancer-related fatigue, insomnia and sleep disturbances in cancer survivors.

Background

Fatigue, insomnia and sleep disturbances are common after cancer diagnosis, and have a negative impact on quality of life and function. This narrative review synthesised evidence on lifestyle and integrative oncology interventions for cancer-related fatigue, insomnia and sleep disturbances in cancer survivors.

Methodology

There is strong evidence in support of aerobic and strength exercise for the relief of cancer-related fatigue. Yoga, massage therapy, acupuncture, Tai Chi and qigong can also be recommended for cancer-related fatigue.

Results

The evidence on yoga, acupuncture and massage therapy for sleep disturbances in cancer is mixed, while exercise appears to have a modest favourable effect. There is insufficient evidence on nutrient supplements or dietary interventions for cancer-related fatigue or insomnia and other sleep disturbances after cancer. Beyond alleviating cancer-related fatigue and insomnia-related symptoms, integrative oncology and lifestyle interventions have potential to effect multiple other benefits, such as improvement in symptoms such as pain and menopausal symptoms.

Conclusion

There is a need for well-designed randomised controlled trials of interventions, particularly in the areas of diet and nutrient supplements, and for implementation studies of interventions already supported by evidence. Conflict of interest statement: Declaration of competing interest JL declares that she has received funding from Cancer Australia, Bioceuticals and Surfebruary for research on integrative oncology/supportive care; payment/honoraria for lectures on medicinal cannabis and supportive care from Releaf and the Canadian Palliative Care Society; and has unpaid leadership roles with the Society of Integrative Oncology and Clinical Oncology Society of Australia. CE declares that she has received funding from Cancer Australia for research on supportive care, and has an unpaid leadership role with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. The other authors have no competing interests to disclose.

References

Ee C(1), Kay S(2), Reynolds A(3), Lovato N(4), Lacey J(5), Koczwara B(6). Lifestyle and integrative oncology interventions for cancer-related fatigue and sleep disturbances. Maturitas;187:108056. DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2024.108056 . Epub Jun 21 2024  . Sep 2024.