Schwartz Cancer Fatigue Scale

The Schwartz Cancer Fatigue Scale (SCFS-6) consists of 6 questions to assess cancer-related fatigue. Each item of the SCFS-6 is scored from 1 (not at all) to 5 (extremely) to obtain a score about the feeling of fatigue in the past 2-3 days. The total score is the sum of the six items, ranging from 6 to 36. A higher score indicates a higher level of fatigue. It is a valid and reliable measure that is sensitive to detect changes in fatigue level over time (p<.001) with the minimally important clinical difference (MICD) in increased fatigue of 5.7 and decreased fatigue of -0.4. In another study with a large effect size (Cohen’s d 0.695, 95% CI 0.235-0.975), there were no significant differences between types of cancer. Time to complete the SCFS-6 is 1-2 minutes.

Key Resources:

Manual of Instructions for the Schwartz Cancer Fatigue Scale (SCFS)

Schwartz, A.L.  (1998). The Schwartz Cancer Fatigue Scale: testing reliability and validity. Oncology Nursing Forum, 25, 711-717.

Schwartz, A.L. & Meek, P.  (1999). Additional content validity of the Schwartz Cancer Fatigue Scale.  Journal of Nursing Measurement, 7, 35-45.

Schwartz, A.L.  Meek, P.M., Nail, L.M., Fargo, J., Lundquist, M., Donofrio, M., Grainger, M., Throckmorton, T., Mateo, M. (2002).  Measurement of fatigue: Determining minimally important clinical differences. J. Clinical Epidemiology, 55, 239-244.

Additional information on the Schwartz Cancer Fatigue Scale -6 item (SCFS-6) can be found at eProvide a database of Clinical Outcomes Assessments.

Information on the Schwartz Cancer Fatigue Scale -6 item (SCFS-6) can be found at eProvide a database of Clinical Outcomes Assessments.