(Fatigue, Cancer)
Definition
Definition
Cancer fatigue is a feeling of extreme weakness and exhaustion during cancer treatment. At times, it may be a struggle to complete daily tasks. Fatigue can persist for weeks or even years.
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Causes
Causes
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 cope with the side effects.
These conditions are caused by cancer or cancer treatment, such as chemo-, radiation- or hormonal therapies:
- Anemia —drop in red blood cells and the blood-forming cells in bone marrow
- Poor nutrition and dehydration from nausea and/or vomiting
- Less oxygen circulating in the blood because of anemia
- Hormonal changes
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Other factors:
- Lack of sleep
- Depression
- Stress
- Pain
- Side effects of medications
Risk Factors
Risk Factors
Factors that may increase your chance of cancer fatigue include:
- Undergoing cancer treatment
- Worsening of cancer
- Having a pre-existing condition, such as poor nutrition or breathing problems
- Yours or a family history of depression
Symptoms
Symptoms
Cancer fatigue may cause:
- Extreme fatigue that is not relieved by sleep or rest
- Lack of energy to do basic daily tasks
- Trouble concentrating and remembering
- Lightheadedness
- Heavy feeling in the arms and legs
- Poor balance
- Shortness of breath
- Impatience, irritability
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. 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.
Treatment
Treatment
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment may include:
Medications
Your doctor may advise:
- Medications to treat the underlying condition, such as anemia
- Antidepressants
- Stimulants
- Corticosteroids
Therapy
Your doctor may advise that you participate in therapy. Talk with your therapist about whether cognitive behavioral therapy is right for you.
Home Care
Your doctor may recommend that you try these approaches:
- Exercise—Light exercise, such as walking for 15-30 minutes per day during times when you have more energy.
- Learn proper sleep and relaxation techniques, such as relaxing before bed or not napping for more than 1 hour
- Eat a healthful diet.
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Gain control of your daily life:
- Talk with your employer about your work schedule and workload.
- Talk with a financial advisor to help you with your costs and to plan for the future.
Consider talking with a therapist or joining a support group to help you better cope with your diagnosis and treament.
Prevention
Prevention
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 it can be managed. Talk to your doctor. Coordinate with your family and friends to help you with tasks at home until you feel better.
RESOURCES:
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
References:
http://www.irondisorders.org/anemia-of-chronic-disease
Accessed November 28, 2014.
Fatigue and cancer. International Cancer Council website. Available at:
http://www.iccnetwork.org/cancerfacts/FatigueFactSheetJan2011RevPost.pdf
Accessed November 28, 2014.
Feeling tired vs. cancer-related fatigue. American Cancer Society website. Available at:
http://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatmentsandsideeffects/physicalsideeffects/fatigue/feeling-tired-vs-cancer-related-fatigue
Updated October 22, 2014. Accessed November 28, 2014.
Lower EE, Fleishman S, et al. Efficacy of dexmethylphenidate for the treatment of fatigue after cancer chemotherapy: a randomized clinical trial. J Pain Symptom Manage. 2009;38(5):650-662.
Minton O, Richardson A, et al. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the pharmacological treatment of cancer-related fatigue. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2008;100(16):1155-1166.
Stedman’s Medical Dictionary. 28th ed. Baltimore, MD: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2005; 298.
What to do when you feel weak or tired. National Cancer Institute website. Available at:
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/coping/radiation-side-effects/fatigue.pdf.
Updated April 2010. Accessed November 28, 2014.
10/1/2013 DynaMed’s Systematic Literature Surveillance
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Patterson E, Wan YW, et al. Nonpharmacological nursing interventions for the management of patient fatigue: a literature review. J Clin Nurs. 2013;22(19-20): 2668-2678.
11/4/2013 DynaMed’s Systematic Literature Surveillance. Available at:
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Yennurajalingam S, Frisbee dt al. Reduction of cancer-related fatigue with dexamethasone: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial in patients with advanced cancer. J Clin Oncol. 2013;31(25):3076-3082.
Last Updated: 12/20/2014