New video aims to help patients understand cancer-related fatigue
A new video resource to help cancer patients manage treatment-related fatigue has been launched by the Kent and Medway Cancer Alliance (KMCA).
Created by a dedicated team of clinical nurse specialists, cancer support workers and allied health professionals, the video offers practical advice and emotional support to help patients and their families better understand and manage one of cancer's most common and disruptive side effects.
Fatigue affects more than 80 per cent of people undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy, yet it remains widely misunderstood. “It's not just tiredness,” said Anne O'Callaghan, Macmillan Psychosocial Worker at Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust. “It's a relentless physical, emotional and cognitive drain that sleep doesn't fix, and it can turn everyday life upside down.”
Frustrated by the lack of accessible, equitable resources, the team took matters into their own hands. “We couldn't find what our patients needed, so we created our own,” Anne added.
The video is designed to help patients understand what to expect during and after treatment, while offering self-management strategies to help them feel more in control.
KMCA Director Ian Vousden said: “I'm proud of the collaboration that brought this project to life. This video alongside our other patient resources will be invaluable for families navigating cancer treatment.”
Patients were involved in the project from the very start, including Paula Deutrom who hopes the video is helpful to others. She said: “Having cancer treatment can be a lonely place but the video provides useful information that's easy to understand. I can relate and I hope it's useful to others too.”
Watch the video www.kentandmedwaycanceralliance.nhs.uk/cancer-related-fatigue