Cancer and Fatigue
Fatigue is often felt with individuals who are receiving cancer treatment. This page contains high-quality information and all the answers you need about cancer-related fatigue from sources you trust.
Chronic bouts of fatigue are common among cancer patients and survivors. The American Society of Clinical Oncology notes that cancer fatigue is a persistent feeling of being emotionally, physically, and mentally exhausted due to cancer and/or cancer treatment.
Fatigue may lead to the inability to make appointments and receive treatment. It may also negatively impact your well-being in other ways: mental health, relationships, and work.
Fatigue can be brought on by several causes from cancer and cancer treatment. Patients should be communicative with their doctor and cancer team at first sight of fatigue signs.
Keep a close eye on how you feel and monitor any signs of fatigue onset. This might look like shortness of breath, an activity that might be making your fatigue worse, your quality of sleep, etc.
Once you and your doctor discuss how fatigue has been affecting you, your doctor may do some examinations and blood-tests to see what may be contributing to fatigue.
Cancer fatigue has the potential to be treated, though it can also be a long process.
The first step is figuring out if there is something worsening your fatigue: depression, anxiety, anemia, lack of sleep, cancer treatment, etc. An unknown cause of fatigue may result in you trying different methods to alleviate it.
Some recommended methods from the American Society of Clinical Oncology include:
Physical Activity. Staying active or increasing your physical activity levels can help reduce fatigue. If possible, try to build up for 150 minutes of moderate activity during the week, like walking or cycling.
See a therapist. A therapist may help you to shape your thoughts about fatigue and identify coping mechanisms.
Mindfulness-based approaches. Yoga and acupuncture are great places to start. Staying in the present moment and being fully aware of the self can also be promoted through meditation.