A psycho-behavioural intervention reduces cancer-related fatigue in post-treatment colorectal cancer patients
In a pilot RCT of 50 post-treatment colorectal cancer patients, a 6-week psycho-behavioural intervention significantly reduced cancer-related fatigue compared to usual care (F=6.49, p=0.014, Hedges' g=-0.71). The intervention also improved physical activity, dietary behaviours, and sleep disturbance, but not anxiety or depressive symptoms.
This article is automatically generated from the structured evidence profile behind the claim above. Scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical advice.
A psycho-behavioural intervention reduces cancer-related fatigue in post-treatment colorectal cancer patients The current body of evidence comprises 1 study, including 1 randomized controlled trial. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 44/100 (low).
The Claim
A psycho-behavioural intervention reduces cancer-related fatigue in post-treatment colorectal cancer patients
This conclusion is most relevant to: Post-treatment colorectal cancer patients with cancer-related fatigue.
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Effects of a Psycho-Behavioural Intervention on Cancer-Related Fatigue Among Patients With Colorectal Cancer: A Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial. (Psycho-oncology, 2026) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Psycho-behavioural intervention targets fatigue-related cognitions and behaviours
- ▸Enhances physical activity and dietary behaviours
- ▸Alleviates sleep disturbance
- ▸Reduces cancer-related fatigue
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸Post-treatment colorectal cancer patients with cancer-related fatigue
Recommended Dose
N/A
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Pilot study with small sample size (n=50)
- ▸Short-term follow-up (within 1-week post-intervention), no long-term effects assessed
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the psycho-behavioural intervention for cancer-related fatigue?▼
The intervention is a 6-week program designed to address fatigue through psychological and behavioural strategies, but specific components are not detailed in the abstract.
How effective is the intervention for reducing cancer-related fatigue?▼
The intervention showed a significant reduction in fatigue with a moderate-to-large effect size (Hedges' g = -0.71) compared to usual care.
Does the intervention improve sleep disturbance?▼
Yes, the intervention significantly alleviated sleep disturbance (F=9.64, p=0.003, Hedges' g=-0.86).
Is the intervention feasible for colorectal cancer patients?▼
Yes, feasibility benchmarks were met: recruitment 52.6%, completion 72.0%, attendance 74.7%, attrition 6.0%, and retention 94.0%, with high satisfaction.
References
- 1.Lu J, Chong YY. “Effects of a Psycho-Behavioural Intervention on Cancer-Related Fatigue Among Patients With Colorectal Cancer: A Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial..” Psycho-oncology, 2026. PMID: 42568201 DOI: 10.1002/pon.70570