What is cancer fatigue?

Cancer fatigue is a persistent and pervasive sense of tiredness related to cancer or its treatment that is not proportional to any recent activity. It is different from the fatigue that most people experience, as it is not relieved by rest and can significantly affect a person's quality of life. The causes of cancer fatigue are complex and can include the disease itself, the side effects of treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and certain medications, as well as other factors like stress, poor nutrition, and lack of sleep. Cancer fatigue can manifest in various ways, including physical, emotional, and cognitive symptoms. Physical symptoms might involve a lack of energy, weakness, and feeling tired. Emotional symptoms can include feelings of sadness or depression, while cognitive symptoms might present as difficulty concentrating or confusion. Managing cancer fatigue often involves a multifaceted approach that can include changes to one's activity level, improving sleep habits, dietary adjustments, and possibly medications or supplements to help with energy levels. It's also important for individuals with cancer to communicate with their healthcare team about their fatigue, as it can be a sign of other underlying issues that need to be addressed.

Fatigue means tiredness and lack of energy. For people with cancer, this can be severe and last a long time. Cancer or its treatment can cause fatigue. ... With this type of fatigue, your body is letting you know that you are overdoing it. The tiredness is usually short term and you feel better after you stop and rest.