Maximizing Energy and Reducing Fatigue in Breast Cancer Survivors

A licensed occupational therapist will deliver the intervention. The Maximizing Energy program combines problem-solving therapy (PST) and energy conservation education. Participants will participate in 6 virtual once/week sessions for 30 minutes. The introductory session, they will track their fatigue and identify three key fatigue-related problems. In session 2, they will prioritize one problem and practice problem-solving steps. They then implement an action plan and review progress in the next session. If the solution is ineffective, the therapist helps modify it or create a new one. If successful, the participant moves to the next problem. A MAX workbook supports learning, covering intervention details, fatigue education, energy conservation strategies, and problem-solving worksheets. The goal is to help participants apply these strategies to improve daily life and return to work.

To control for the effects of interactions with an interventionist, participants in the attention control group will receive the Health Education intervention. The interventionists will review a workbook covering fatigue, energy conservation, healthy eating, exercise, and relaxation. Like the MAX intervention, Health Education will be delivered virtually in weekly 30-minute one-on-one sessions for six weeks. The interventionist provides education on breast cancer-related fatigue, diet, safe physical activities, and energy conservation strategies tailored to individual needs. A workbook will support learning.