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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.

Last updated: Aug 13, 2026•1 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score44/100
Human RCT★★☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Effects of a Psycho-Behavioural Intervention on Cancer-Related Fatigue Among Patients With Colorectal Cancer: A Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial.

observational

Lu J, Chong YY · Psycho-oncology (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: 6 weeks
Intervention: 6-week psycho-behavioural intervention (details not specified in abstract)
Outcome: Cancer-related fatigue (CRF), physical activity, dietary behaviours, sleep disturbance, anxiety, depressive symptoms
Effect Size: Hedges' g = -0.71
Population: Post-treatment colorectal cancer patients with cancer-related fatigue

Result:

PubMed: 42568201DOI: 10.1002/pon.70570

Mechanism Graph

Psycho-behavioural intervention targets fatigue-related cognitions and behaviours
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Enhances physical activity and dietary behaviours
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Alleviates sleep disturbance
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Reduces cancer-related fatigue

Limitations

  • ⚠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.

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References

  1. 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
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.