Female cancer survivors are more likely to experience cancer-related fatigue and depression than male cancer survivors, and those with cancer-related fatigue and/or depression are almost two times as likely to reduce their recreational activities, according to the results of a retrospective study presented at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2025 (Abstract 4989 / 3).
Female cancer survivors showed a 58% higher likelihood of experiencing depression than their male counterparts (odds ratio [OR] = 1.58; 95% CI = 1.10–2.26; P = .014). Additionally, female cancer survivors were 69% more likely to experience cancer-related fatigue than males (OR = 1.69; 95% CI = 1.24–2.31; P < .001).
The study authors noted in their abstract that the “findings highlight the importance of targeted interventions to address sex disparities in cancer-related fatigue and depression, with the ultimate goal of improving quality-of-life among cancer survivors.”
Study Methods and Results
The study investigators intended to analyze disparities in cancer-related fatigue and depression between the sexes and its impact on quality-of-life among cancer survivors.
Du et al analyzed data from the 2015–2016 and 2017–2020 cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), which included 1,555 cancer survivors. They used three-step sequential logistic regression models to analyze the data unadjusted, adjusted for demographic variables, and fully adjusted for demographics, socioeconomic factors, and comorbidities.
“During my residency, I saw a lot of cancer patients both in the clinic and inpatient settings, and cancer-related fatigue was one of the most frequent complaints they brought up,” said Simo Du, MD, MHS, a resident at NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi and Albert Einstein College of Medicine who presented the study findings at AACR. “It impacts not just their daily activities but also their overall quality-of-life and mental health, making tasks like climbing stairs, doing groceries, or laundry overwhelming.”
Cancer-related fatigue was not significantly associated with limitations to work-related activities (OR = 1.17; 95% CI = 0.79–1.73; P = 0.431), but it was associated with reduced rates of moderate recreational activities (OR = 1.83; 95% CI = 1.26–2.66; P = .002). Depression was also associated with a reduction in recreational activities (OR = 1.65; 95% CI = 1.05–2.58; P = .02).
“Our findings highlight the importance of providing special attention and tailored interventions such as exercise programs, support groups, and mind-body behavioral techniques for vulnerable groups to help effectively manage fatigue and improve participation in recreational activities as they are an essential aspect of quality of life,” Du stated.
Disclosure: For full disclosures of the study authors, visit aacr.org.
