Cancer related fatigue is an extreme feeling of tiredness or lack of energy, people often say they feel completely exhausted. It is one of the most commonly reported symptoms in patients with cancer and maybe from the cancer itself and/or a side effect of the cancer treatment. Patients often describe it as one of the most disruptive side effects to their everyday life. Cancer related fatigue can affect you physically, emotionally and mentally.
The fatigue felt by people with cancer is different from the day-to-day fatigue of general life activities. Cancer related fatigue is something that lasts even when you are getting adequate sleep and rest.
Cancer related fatigue is often described as feeling extremely weak, drained and “washed out”. Even when you rest and the fatigue has reduced slightly, it soon comes back. It is often difficult to complete everyday simple tasks and plan ahead. How long cancer related fatigue lasts and how it is experienced is different from person to person.
You may find the following links helpful to understand a little more about cancer related fatigue. Please also speak to one of the health care professionals involved in your care to find out how we may be able to help you if you are experiencing cancer related fatigue.
Macmillan
Maggie’s Centres
Cancer Wellbeing London
You can view a short video on fatigue, alongside other topics on the Cancer Wellbeing London website:
Cancer and fatigue
