What is Cancer Fatigue:
Fatigue is a feeling of extreme tiredness, exhaustion, and low energy. It can be caused by the cancer itself or by the treatments.
Fatigue is very common in people with cancer, with research showing that nearly 65% of cancer patients experience it.
For many, fatigue is the most challenging and disruptive side effect of treatment.
Cancer-related fatigue can impact you physically, emotionally, and mentally. Its severity, duration, and frequency vary from person to person.
Symptoms of fatigue
The symptoms of cancer-related fatigue are quite broad and can also be caused by other factors.
Let your doctor or nurse know about any new or unusual symptoms. They can help identify the cause and suggest ways to manage them.
Here are some common symptoms of cancer-related fatigue:
– Low energy – feeling like you want to stay in bed all day
– Need to rest even after minimal or no activity
– Lack of motivation – feeling like you just don’t want to do much
– Sleep issues – difficulty falling asleep or having disturbed sleep
– Struggle to get up in the morning
– Feelings of anxiety, sadness, or depression
– Muscle pain – difficulty climbing stairs or walking short distances
– Shortness of breath after small tasks like showering or making the bed
– Difficulty focusing – even simple activities like watching TV or chatting with a friend can be hard
– Trouble thinking clearly or making decisions
– Loss of interest in sex
– Loss of interest in activities you usually enjoy
– Negative thoughts about yourself and others
How long can fatigue last?
Cancer-related fatigue can be intense and last for varying periods, depending on its cause. Unlike regular tiredness, which is short-lived and often relieved by rest or sleep, cancer fatigue doesn’t usually improve with rest.
Symptoms of fatigue often get better once cancer treatment ends, but for some, it can persist for weeks, months, or even years afterward.