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Cancer fatigue is when you feel very weak and exhausted during cancer treatment. You may struggle to complete daily tasks. Fatigue can last for weeks or even years.

Chemotherapy Through Cardiovascular System

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Cancer and the side effects of treatment cause this condition. If your body is already weakened by cancer when treatment begins, then it is even more difficult to handle the side effects.

These conditions are caused by cancer or cancer treatment and can add to fatigue:

• Anemia —due to chemotherapy , which can kill red blood cells and affect the blood-forming cells in bone marrow
• Poor nutrition and dehydration —due to loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting
• Lack of oxygen—due to fewer red blood cells, which carry oxygen
• Hormonal changes—due to hormonal therapies, side effects of treatment, or type of cancer, such as thyroid cancer
• Other factors:
  • Lack of sleep
  • Depression
  • Stress
  • Pain
  • Side effects of medicines

These factors increase your chance of developing cancer fatigue:

• Undergoing cancer treatment (eg, chemotherapy, radiation , biologic response modifier therapy)
• Worsening of cancer
• Having a pre-existing condition (eg, poor nutrition, breathing impairment)
• Having a history of depression or having family members with depression

Tell your doctor if you have any of these risk factors.

If you have any of these symptoms do not assume it is due to cancer fatigue. These symptoms may be caused by other conditions. Tell your doctor if you have any of these:

• Extreme fatigue that is far worse than ordinary fatigue and that is not relieved by sleep
• No energy to do basic tasks, such as cooking dinner, making the bed, or answering the door
• Trouble concentrating and remembering
• Dizziness
• Heaviness of arms and legs
• Poor balance
• Shortness of breath
• Impatience, irritability

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and do a physical exam. You may be asked:

• Have your symptoms been worsening? When do your symptoms appear and how long do they last?
• What medications are you taking?
• How often do you sleep and for how long?
• What are you eating?
• What makes you feel better? Worse?
• Have you been depressed?
• How has your work status and financial condition been affected by cancer?
• What kind of support system do you have?

Your doctor may also use a questionnaire to assess your fatigue.

Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include the following:

Cancer fatigue is one of the most common side effects of cancer. Because there are so many causes of cancer fatigue, there may not be a way to prevent it. But, there may be ways to reduce it. Talk to your doctor. Also talk to your family and friends to help you cope with your condition.