Suzanne Tinsley

Louisiana State University Health Shreveport

Abstract Title:Relationship Between Fatigue and Quality of Life for Patients Participating in a Cancer Survivor Program

Biography: Dr. Suzanne L. Tinsley, PhD, PT, NCS, is Senior Director of Medical Philanthropy at LSU Health-Shreveport, where she has served on the faculty for 34 years. As the first Board Certified Neurologic Physical Therapist in Louisiana, she mentors in the Neurologic Physical Therapy Residency Program and serves as Assistant Director of Neurologic Rehabilitation at the Center for Brain Health. Dr. Tinsley has published widely in pharmacology and rehabilitation, co-authored a pharmacology textbook, and presented internationally. Honors include the Richard C. Parks Endowed Professorship, the Allen A. Copping Teaching Award, and the 2023 Athena International Leadership Award.

Research Interest: Two million new cancer cases are expected in the US in 2025. Advances in cancer care have improved the 5-year survival rate across populations, but factors such as fatigue significantly affect survivors' quality of life. This study examined the relationship between fatigue and quality of life post-cancer treatment and explored variations based on demographic and clinical factors, including gender, race, age, cancer type, and rehabilitation referral needs. Ninety-one patient charts were reviewed, including demographics, cancer type, rehabilitation referrals, and baseline survey scores from the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI) and Reintegration to Normal Life Index (RNLI). Mean scores were analyzed to assess relationships between fatigue and quality of life, with subgroup comparisons evaluated using Mann-Whitney U tests and correlations assessed via Pearson’s analysis (p<0.05). Participants were 65 females (71%) and 26 males (29%), with 73% Black, 26% Caucasian, and 1% Asian representation. The age distribution was 28% under 55 years and 72% 55 or older. Cancer types included breast (44%), colon (13%), head and neck (15%), and others. Rehabilitation referrals were needed for 40% of participants. There was a significant negative correlation between fatigue (BFI) and quality of life (RNLI) (r=–0.584, p<0.05), with significant differences observed by age and rehabilitation needs but not by gender, race, or cancer type. These findings highlight the critical role of managing fatigue and functional limitations to improve quality of life among diverse cancer survivor populations, with younger participants reporting greater challenges. Insights from this diverse sample, including 73% black participants, can inform patient-centered care in survivor programs. Key Words: rehabilitation, cancer type, functional mobility, fatigue, quality of life