Fatigue (cancer)

Fatigue

Cancer related fatigue (CRF) is a feeling of extreme tiredness or exhaustion. It is a normal and common symptom of cancer and cancer treatments. Fatigue is different for everyone. It affects how you feel and what you are able to do. It is worse than tiredness and does not always improve with sleep or rest. Your cancer team can help with managing fatigue. Please let them know if you need support or your fatigue is becoming worse.

Common symptoms of Cancer Related Fatigue (CRF)

  • Exhaustion or having constant tiredness.
  • Feeling ‘worn-out’ or ‘run-down’.
  • Having no energy or not enough energy.
  • Forgetting things or not being able to think clearly.
  • Feeling as though you can’t get started with anything. Decreased motivation
  • Feeling sensitive, tearful, short tempered or having mood changes
  • Weakness, feeling slow or listless or feeling like you are moving in quicksand
  • Broken sleep: finding it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep. Or, sleeping too much.
When can Cancer Related Fatigue (CRF) happen?

Fatigue symptoms can happen at any time throughout your cancer journey. They may be ongoing or come and go, being worse at different times.
Cancer Related Fatigue (CRF) can happen;

– Before or at diagnosis
– During treatment
– After treatment

Managing Cancer Related Fatigue

Cancer related fatigue will generally improve over time. Most people find they feel better 6-12 months after treatment ends. A small number of people may still experience cancer fatigue after this time. There are things you can try to help manage fatigue during and after treatment. These include:

Talking to your cancer team

If you are having fatigue, please talk to your cancer team or GP. It is important your cancer team know so they can best support you. Cancer and cancer treatments can cause some conditions that cause fatigue. Sometimes these may need treatment. Your team can arrange tests to find out what might be causing your fatigue. This may include blood tests to check your red blood cell count and hormone levels. Blood tests can also check how well your liver and kidneys are working. Pain or eating problems can also cause fatigue. Your healthcare team can review this and arrange the correct support.

Accept help

Ask friends and family for help and accept help when it is offered. Your cancer team can signpost you to services who can help with everyday activities.

Start to become more active

Slowly increase how active you are in the day. Try to do something you enjoy or simply take a short walk. Studies have shown that being physically active can reduce symptoms of fatigue. It can boost your appetite and help you to sleep better. This in turn will help you to boost your energy levels.
Find out more about activity and fatigue in the links below.

Lift up your everyday – managing energy | RCOT
Physical activity and cancer | Macmillan Cancer Support

Allow yourself time to relax and rest

Having cancer and cancer treatments are difficult both physically and emotionally. It may take a number of months for you to fully recover after treatment. It is important to be kind to yourself during this time. Allow yourself time to rest properly and for self-care. Think about what helps you to relax and put aside regular time for this. Breathing and mindfulness exercises can also be helpful. Your cancer team can advise you of local services that can help with relaxation.

Keep track of your energy levels

Keeping a diary throughout the day will help you to record how you feel. This can show times when you have higher energy. It can also show times when you may need to rest. Tracking your energy levels can help you to,

Pace – take time with tasks, rest in between. Don’t do too much all at once and ‘burn out’.
Plan – make every-day activities as easy as possible. Plan and spread-out activities
Prioritise – decide what you need / want to do and when. Limit activities that use all your energy

Find out more about managing fatigue in the links below

Tiredness (fatigue) and cancer | Macmillan Cancer Support
Managing and treating cancer fatigue | Cancer Research UK
Fatigue, tiredness and cancer | Maggie's
Cancer Related Fatigue