Explanation of Cancer Related Fatigue

On the surface it sounds like a simple question with a simple answer, however cancer fatigue is much more profound than tiredness. Cancer fatigue is a deep debilitating condition that spoils the quality of life of the patient.

There is a difference between being tired and being fatigued. Everyone gets tired, form certain activities or lack to sleep. Usually tiredness is solved by a good nights sleep.

Fatigue is a much more serious condition. Fatigue is a daily lack of energy, a whole-body tiredness which is not relieved by sleep. Fatigue can be acute, which means is lasts for a month or less, or chronic, which means that it lasts more that one month or more. Chronic fatigue can last for several month.

Cancer related fatigue is a common side effect of cancer and cancer treatment. Whether a patient will get cancer related fatigue is not predictable by tumor type, treatment or stage of illness. The fatigue comes on suddenly and does not result from activity or exertion. This type of fatigue is not relieved by rest of sleep. Patients often describe this fatigue as paralyzing.

Cancer patients can get cancer related fatigue from the cancer treatments or from other factors related to cancer.

Chemotherapy drugs can cause fatigue, as a side effect of the strong drugs used to fight the cancer cells. The fatigue may last a few days or extend to long after the treatment has been completed.

Radiation Therapy can cause fatigue that is cumulative, meaning it increases over time. fatigue can last for a few weeks of a few months after completion of treatment.

Bone Marrow Transplant is an aggressive treatment that can cause fatigue that lasts up to a year.

Biological Therapy can affect the immune and endocrine system, causing persistent fatigue.

Combination Therapy: Cancer patients ofter receive more that on treatment at a time, increasing the chances of developing fatigue.

There are other factors that may contribute to cancer related fatigue. Decreased nutrition from treatment side effects , such as nausea vomiting, mouth sores and other symptoms can make food unpalatable. Cancer treatment can cause reduced blood counts which can lead to anemia, causing fatigue, Medication used to treat side effects can cause fatigue. The stress and worry of the disease can cause and worsen feelings of fatigue, Depression and emotional distress can cause fatigue.

Research also show that chronic, severe pain increases fatigue.

in addition, many cancer patients attempt to keep up a normal routine, which can be too exhausting in their weakened condition. Patients may need to reevaluate what needs to be done and what activities can be temporarily dropped. Patients may need to rely on friends and family members to help them as they recuperate from debilitating treatments.

The best way to combat fatigue is to treat the underlying cause. The oncologist, or doctor, should be consulted to help identify the cause of the fatigue. Sometimes doctors are aware of the possibility of the side effects, but fail to advise the patient of it.

The patient can evaluate their level of energy by keeping a diary to help identify patterns, such as time of day. Patients should also be alert of warning signs that signal fatigue, such as: tired eyes, tired legs, whole-body tiredness, stiff shoulders, decreased energy, poor concentration, weakness, boredom, lack of motivation, sleepiness, irritability, nervousness, anxiety or impatience.

Cancer patients can conserve energy by planning ahead, organizing work, scheduling rest, pacing themselves moderately, practicing good body mechanics, limiting activities that require d reaching over the head or that increases muscle tension, and identifying environmental stresses such as temperature extremes, cigarette smoke, harmful fumes and long hot showers or baths.

The patient may have to prioritize activities and decide which activities are most important, using energy for the most important tasks.

Proper nutrition can improve energy reserves. Cancer patients should make sure they are getting enough calories for energy. it's important to get enough protein, which rebuilds and repairs damaged body tissue. Drinking plenty of fluids will prevent dehydration. A vitamin supplement can help insure getting enough nutrients.

Decreased physical activity can contribute to feelings of tiredness and lack of energy. Spending long times sitting or staying in bed can develop feelings of anxiety, depression, weakness, fatigue and nausea. moderate exercise may help to decrease these feelings. Consult the doctor to learn what level of activity is appropriate.

Stress management can play an important role in combating fatigue. It may be helpful to talk to a mental health professional or counselor during this stressful time. Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing may be helpful. Cancer support groups may be a good source of support. Adjusting expectations and paring down the list of things to do can decrease the stress. Talk to friends and family members, to better help them to understand what is going on.

There is new research from the Mayo Clinic that indicates that ginseng may help decrease cancer related fatigue. More research is required before making a recommendation about ginseng.

The information in this article is not intended as medical advice. Consult a medical professional if experiencing a medical condition