If you’re experiencing cancer-related fatigue, don’t be alarmed – fatigue is common in people with cancer, and there are strategies to help you cope.
The following information has been put together to help you understand some of the causes of fatigue, advice to help you manage symptoms of fatigue and answered some common questions we get from our patients.
Cancer-related fatigue is the chronic, distressing, emotional and physical exhaustion that many people with cancer experience.
For some, fatigue can be quite severe and may interfere with everyday life. However, everyone’s experience of fatigue is different and often depends on the type of cancer and treatment approach.
Cancer-related fatigue can’t be measured, and there are no specific diagnostic tests. If you’re feeling fatigued, your specialist team will talk to you about your symptoms to determine your level of fatigue and develop a treatment plan1,4.
Cancer-related fatigue can be caused by the cancer itself as well as cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy, bone marrow transplants or hormone therapy1.
Changes in hormone levels and proteins that regulate inflammatory processes can lead to increased levels of fatigue4. Some cancer treatments and cancers that have spread to the bone marrow can reduce the amount of red blood cells in your body which can cause anaemia (or low iron), making you feel more tired4.
Other cancer treatments may have side-effects, such as nausea or vomiting, which can reduce your appetite and impact on your sleep, contributing to your fatigue.
Certain tumours secret toxins which can prevent healthy cells from producing necessary nutrients such as calcium and potassium for optimal muscle function, resulting in weakness and tiredness3.
While fatigue may feel debilitating and overwhelming, there are many ways to manage your symptoms4:
Exercise has many benefits for people with cancer. According to the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA), anyone with cancer should participate in physical activity before, during and after their treatments2.
COSA exercise recommendations consist of both aerobic and resistance-based exercises, and include:
It is important that you speak to a specialist, such as an accredited physiotherapist or physiologist so that your exercise programme can be tailored to your current level of fitness, whilst accommodating for your type of cancer, prognosis and any adverse effects you may be experiencing from current treatments2. The goal of your exercise programme should be to progress towards the above exercise recommendations where possible, and once achieved, maintain this level of activity2.
If you are concerned, or wish to find a support group near you, speak with your specialist for information specific to your local area.
Your cancer care team at Icon can also help you with what options might suit you, your life and your type of cancer.
If you have cancer-related fatigue, it’s important to speak to your specialist team and get a tailored treatment plan to help you feel more energised.
While fatigue can feel debilitating, it is possible to manage your symptoms with the right support.
Speak with your specialist team before you take any dietary supplements or medications.
Certain supplements may increase the risk for drug interactions and skin reactions with treatments such as chemotherapy and radiatio
While it is common to experience fatigue during your diagnosis and treatment, it is important to talk with your doctor or specialist team if you experience any of the following symptoms4:
These symptoms could be a sign of something more serious, so it’s best to seek medical advice if you’re ever unsure about anything.
People with cancer-related fatigue experience symptoms of severe and debilitating tiredness which impacts on their quality of life and daily functioning.
This type of fatigue is different from general tiredness, which most of the general healthy population will experience during some point in their lives.
General tiredness is particularly common at the end of a busy day or after bouts of intense exercise, and it can typically be remedied with a good night’s sleep5.
For some people, fatigue can last for many months after treatment has finished.
For people receiving chemotherapy, fatigue typically comes in waves, peaking during the days of treatment.
Those who are receiving radiotherapy may notice fatigue gradually increase as treatment progresses4.
The content found on the Icon Cancer Centre website is intended solely for informational purposes and should not be considered as medical advice. It is not a substitute for consulting with a qualified medical professional. Our website is designed to provide information and support to the general public. Please be mindful that we do not dispense medical advice, and for personalised medical guidance, we strongly advise you to consult with a qualified medical professional or doctor.
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