Cancer-related fatigue is the most common side effect of cancer and its treatment. Research suggests that about 90% of cancer patients receiving treatments such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy experience fatigue. Between 30% and 75% of cancer survivors have reported fatigue continuing for months or even years after completing active treatment.
Cancer-related fatigue is difficult to describe to anyone who has not felt it…it is more than just being tired, it can be a feeling of physical, psychological and emotional weariness – all at once! Most cancer patients say that fatigue is the most distressing side effect of cancer and its treatment and one that drastically affects their quality of life. People with cancer-related fatigue describe it as feeling tired, weak, exhausted, worn-out, or slow; having no energy; and being unable to concentrate. They also talk about having heavy arms and legs, having little motivation to do anything, being unable to sleep or sleeping too much, or having feelings of sadness, or irritability. Fatigue can lead to frustration when one is not able to interact and care for our family and friends as we would like to, work effectively or get our usual ‘to do’ list completed. Cancer-related fatigue is different from the fatigue of everyday life, which is usually temporary and relieved by rest. Cancer-related fatigue is more severe and more distressing. Rest does not necessarily relieve it.
- Conserving Energy: Saving or conserving energy is a common sense way to make sure you have enough get-up and-go to do what needs to be done on a daily basis. You may need to accept the fact that you simply can’t do all you want to do with your current level of energy. Prioritize the most important thing to do each day and focus on that task. Go slowly with the activity, so that you will not expend too much energy as you go.
- Exercise: Research has shown clearly that an aerobic exercise program, undertaken with your doctor’s approval, can lead to decreased fatigue and nausea, improved heart and lung function and more positive feelings about your life. You may need to consult a physical therapist to prescribe the most appropriate exercise routine for you and your individual situation. The proper amount and type of exercise program can help reduce fatigue, and improve your sleep and general mood!
- Restoring activities: Certain activities can actually improve your ability to concentrate and focus your attention in stressful situations. These activities include: massage therapy, relaxing in a peaceful setting, meditation and prayer.
- Nutritional counseling: Many cancer patients have changes in their diet and food preferences during treatment that may increase fatigue. Talking with a registered dietician may help in managing problems like loss of appetite, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting.
- Reducing stress: Having cancer is stressful and the treatment process can be even more stressful. Talking with a counselor, social worker or nurse on your medical team about the level of stress you feel can help you know if it is “normal” stress or more worrisome anxiety or depression. Feeling tired may be related to feeling depressed and anxious. Support groups, individual counseling, stress management training and relaxation exercises can improve the feelings related to fatigue.
- Medications: While there is no one medication that relieves cancer-related fatigue completely, there may be medications that indirectly assist you in your problem with fatigue. Speak with your oncologist about your fatigue and what options may exist for you.
For more information, see Cancer-Related Fatigue and Anemia Treatment Guidelines for Patients – Version III/November 2005 at the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) (www.nccn.org) and the American Cancer Society (ACS) (www.cancer.org) – search ‘fatigue’. The American Cancer Society has a great online class about fatigue. For more information on cancer-related fatigue, speak with your oncologist.