A proof-of-concept investigation of a new model to explain fatigue experienced post breast cancer treatment

Our brain constantly processes information coming from our senses. According to new scientific models, when impaired, these processes lead to feeling fatigued. While people with and beyond cancer are likely to experience fatigue, these models have yet to be tested in cancer patients. We will therefore compare sensory information processing capabilities of cancer patients and healthy participants. We also want to see if our two groups perceive fatigue differently during a physical task and if these differences relate to sensory abilities. Finally, we will draw immune profiles and record other measures such as body composition, physical activity and sleep disturbance, to help explain our findings fully.

We are a newly formed team of oncologist, psychiatrist and researchers from Sussex. This project will enable us to find the best way to collaborate as we ambition to carry out more together. We also have new facilities (Falmer campus; University of Brighton) and want to evaluate how to best do research there with people who live with and beyond cancer.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK (15% of new cancer cases) with a higher prevalence (>50%) of moderate to severe fatigue than for other cancers. So we will study this patient group first. We will recruit patients who have just finished their treatment because fatigue is likely present then and can remain very delibitating after treatment. Patients also told us they are more available to engage at this point in their journey.

Cancer-related fatigue is recognised as a significant and distressing symptom and both causes and management strategies are key research priorities in the UK. This project will enable us to study its cause so patients and carers can understand the symptom better, to then move on to developinginterventions to help all beat it