Fatigue and cancer

People who have fatigue have little or no energy and find it difficult to do simple, everyday things that we usually take for granted.

As many as three quarters (75%) of people with cancer feel fatigued at some time. Fatigue can be especially difficult when you're already trying to cope with cancer. 

Cancer-related fatigue, as it’s commonly known, may be due to the cancer itself or may be a result of symptoms caused by the cancer. It can also be a side effect of treatment.

Fatigue affects everyone differently and can cause many different symptoms. Some people find that their fatigue is very mild and doesn’t interfere much with their daily life. However, for other people it’s extremely disruptive.

 

Common effects of fatigue Back to top

The different levels of fatigue are described in the fatigue diary|. Some of the more common effects include:

• Difficulty doing the smallest chores – even everyday activities like brushing your hair, showering or cooking can seem impossible.
• A feeling of having no energy – as if you could spend the whole day in bed.
• A feeling of having no strength to do anything.
• Lack of concentration.
• Having trouble thinking, speaking, or making decisions.
• Difficulty remembering things.
• Feeling breathless after only light activity.
• Dizziness or a feeling of light-headedness.
• Difficulty sleeping (insomnia).
• Loss of sex drive.
• Feeling more emotional than usual.

Fatigue can affect the way you think and feel. You may find it impossible to concentrate on anything. This may affect your work, but it can also occur with things that you usually enjoy doing – even reading or watching TV can be difficult.

Fatigue can affect your relationships with family and friends. It may make you become impatient with people around you, or you may avoid going out or being with friends because it’s too much effort.

 

Talking about your fatigue Back to top

It has taken doctors a long time to understand how big a problem fatigue is for people. Although research into its causes and treatment is still at a relatively early stage, doctors now realise that fatigue is a major side effect of cancer and its treatment. Many people find that their fatigue is as distressing and disabling as other side effects of cancer treatment.

It‘s important to tell your doctors and nurses about your fatigue and how it makes you feel, without playing it down. There are ways in which they may be able to reduce your fatigue. For example, treating the causes of fatigue (such as anaemia or sleeplessness) can help. There are also things you can do for yourself that may help you cope.