Support for cancer-related fatigue

This information is intended for people living in or around York, who have received information about fatigue from York Hospital. Here you can find digital versions of the leaflets provided by the Wellbeing Team, as well as further information about cancer-related fatigue. 

If you would like more information or support local to York, please call the Wellbeing Team on 01904 721166 or email them at yhs-tr.cancersupportandinformation@nhs.net. 

If you have any thoughts or feedback on this information, please contact innovate@macmillan.org.uk. 

Cancer-related fatigue is an extreme form of tiredness and exhaustion. It may be caused by the cancer itself or its symptoms. It can also be a side effect of treatment.

Symptoms can include:

• feeling tired or weak
• difficulty doing daily tasks, like getting dressed
• difficulty concentrating, or remembering things
• feeling low in mood or more irritable than usual
• losing interest in things you normally enjoy.

Fatigue symptoms can be managed. Understanding why you're feeling fatigued and making small changes to your lifestyle can help to reduce its impact. 

Here are some things you can do to help manage fatigue:

The York Health and Wellbeing Team are here to help you with support, advice and free services in the local area. If you’d like to find out more about any of the services listed, you can give the Macmillan Cancer Health & Wellbeing team a call on 01904 721166.

Gentle exercise groups

• 5K Your Way: 5k Your Way is a community support group, provided by MOVE charity, that encourages those living with and beyond cancer, to walk, jog, run or cheer at a parkrun event on the last Saturday of every month. All abilities are welcome and you can do as little or as much as you want. You can find details about the York group events on their website or send the York group an email.
• Ramblers: York Health Walks offer a programme of free easily accessible routes of 30 to 90 minutes led by experienced guides. The walks are over easy ground and taken at steady pace to suit everyone. You can visit their website or email them.

Other services

• York Against Cancer: The Leveson Centre at York Community stadium offers complementary therapy sessions and a welcoming space to chat. York against Cancer also offer minibus transport to St James' hospital, respite breaks and support groups. You can visit their website or call on 01904 764466. 

• Penny Brohn UK are a charity offering online sessions and webinars on topics to do with cancer and wellbeing, including several on fatigue and fatigue management.

• Free Bupa Counselling: Macmillan Cancer Support and Bupa are offering up to six sessions of free virtual counselling to people who are struggling emotionally while living with cancer. Call  the Macmillan Support Line free on 0808 808 00 00 and ask about the Bupa Service. 

• York Wheels Dial-a-ride: York Wheels offer discounted lifts for elderly people or people with disabilities with no other means of transport. They cover many popular destinations including local shopping centres and the city centre. You can visit their website or call on 01904 551441.

• York Citizens Advice and Law Centre: The Citizens Advice Service offer free, confidential and impartial advice on a range of issues, including money and finances. You can visit their website or call on 0808 278 7895 

• Age UK York: Age UK run social clubs for people over 60 in the York area and offer a 'home from hospital' service, to help people feel more comfortable at home after a stay in hospital. You can send them an email or call on 01904 634061. 

• Salus Fatigue Foundation: Salus offer online services for anyone affected by fatigue, including a Facebook Community, webinars and online workshops, as well as in-person meet-ups. Get in touch via email or visit their website.

   

Carers' corner

Caring for someone living with cancer is a very important role, but it can also be difficult. 

• Communication is key: take time to talk and understand each other's feelings
• Ask what you can do to help, so that the person with cancer can save their energy.
• Seek support for yourself too: the Wellbeing Service is here to listen.

The York Carers Centre offer confidential information, advice and support to unpaid carers in the York area. Including information on benefits and finances, mental health and counselling. You can visit their website or call on 01904 715490.