Nonpharmacological Management of Cancer-Related Fatigue in Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Best Evidence Summary
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Keywords

Breast cancer
Chemotherapy
Cancer-related fatigue
Nonpharmacological management
Exercise intervention
Evidence summary
Evidence-based nursing

DOI

10.26689/jcnr.v10i5.15212

Submitted : 2026-05-31
Accepted : 2026-06-15
Published : 2026-06-30

Abstract

Objective: To retrieve and summarize the best evidence on non-pharmacological management of cancer-related fatigue in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, and to provide an evidence-based foundation for individualized management. Methods: Clinical guidelines, expert consensus, systematic reviews, and other relevant literature were systematically searched in domestic and international databases from inception to April 2026. Two researchers independently screened the literature, assessed quality, and extracted and synthesized the evidence. Results: A total of 28 publications were included, consisting of 2 clinical decisions, 5 guidelines, 2 expert consensus statements, 16 systematic reviews, and 3 randomized controlled trials. The evidence was synthesized into seven themes: multidisciplinary team collaboration, assessment and screening, exercise intervention, psychological and behavioral intervention, traditional Chinese medicine and complementary and alternative therapies, nutritional support, and health education. Conclusion: Clinical implementation should integrate local contexts and patient characteristics, applying the best available evidence to deliver individualized non-pharmacological management, so as to alleviate fatigue and improve quality of life.

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