Cancer Treatment Related Fatigue

Many cancer patients -- and survivors -- report fatigue as an ongoing side effect of their treatment

Fatigue is rarely an isolated symptom and is perceived by cancer patients to be one of the most distressing symptoms of cancer treatment. You might be physically tired, emotionally tired, cognitively tired or all three. This exhaustion is not proportional to recent activity and interferes with usual functioning.

Factors contributing to cancer-related fatigue:

Medication side effects
Emotional distress
Anemia
Sleep issues
Nutrition issues
Other medical conditions

Strategies like medication, physical therapy and exercise can help combat fatigue. Here are other general strategies to explore:

Self-monitor your energy level
Limit naps so you can sleep at night
Structure routines
Use distractions like games, music or reading
Set priorities if you can’t do everything
Postpone non-essential activities
Drink adequate fluids

The Rogel Cancer Center’s Symptom Management and Supportive Care Clinic helps patients manage the physical aspects of fatigue. The PsychOncology Program can help with the significant emotional aspects, such as depression.