Fatigue of cancer treatment may last long
Fatigue can result from anemia, hormonal changes (such as altered gland function), and respiratory distress caused by cancer itself. It is also common in patients with advanced cancer who are undergoing treatment. Cancer treatment-related fatigue affects 14“96 percent of patients actively receiving treatment and 19“82 percent of those after treatment. Like pain, fatigue is influenced by personal perception. Patients may describe fatigue as exhaustion, lack of motivation, pain, low energy, feeling consumed, or being weary.
Fatigue related to cancer treatment is different from the fatigue that healthy individuals experience in everyday life. Normal fatigue typically appears suddenly and usually goes away with sleep or rest. In contrast, cancer treatment-related fatigue is considered chronic: it lasts a long time, does not completely resolve with sleep or rest, and has a negative impact on bodily functions.
Fatigue can affect mood, physical abilities, work performance, social life, family care, cognitive performance, schoolwork, and more.
The pattern of cancer treatment-related fatigue varies based on the treatment type and schedule. For example, patients receiving frequent treatments (two or three times a week) may experience peak fatigue in the days following treatment and feel less tired until the next session. In contrast, fatigue tends to accumulate throughout a course of radiotherapy.
Recommendations of cancer treatment related fatigue
- Rest, but do not overdo it: Plan your day and take short breaks of 30 minutes or less. Aim to get 7“8 hours of sleep each night. If you have trouble sleeping, consult your doctor.
- Be as active as possible: Incorporate regular, moderate-intensity exercise”such as walking”into your daily routine. Walking, in particular, is one of the most effective ways to reduce fatigue.
- Plan your daily tasks: Keep a journal to record how you feel each day. Your doctor or nurse may ask you to rate your fatigue on a scale of 0 to 10, and describe the type of fatigue and what affects it. Keeping notes on these topics will make it easier to answer their questions.
- Reserve your energy: Determine your priorities and plan accordingly. Distribute your activities throughout the day and remember to take breaks. Avoid tasks that require standing for long periods. Limit the duration of hot showers and baths, as prolonged exposure can drain your energy.
- Ask for help: Reach out to family members and friends for support. Whether it's household chores, preparing meals, or running errands, don't hesitate to ask for assistance. Avoid pushing yourself to do more than you are able.
- Get support: Consider joining a support group. Sharing your feelings with others can help reduce the burden of fatigue. Ask your doctor, nurse, or relevant organizations for help finding a support group.
- Maintain good nutrition: Drink plenty of water and fruit juice. Cook and eat the healthiest foods you can. Aim to eat at least 2.5 bowls of fruits and vegetables each day. Make sure you get enough protein and calories to support your health.
- Call your doctor if you are too weak to get out of bed, become disoriented, lose your balance or fall, feel dizzy, have trouble waking up, or if your fatigue gets worse.
- It may take some time to regain your usual energy levels, but staying active can help you recover your strength more quickly.
* Liv Hospital Editorial Board has contributed to the publication of this content .
* Contents of this page is for informational purposes only. Please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. The content of this page does not include information on medicinal health care at Liv Hospital .