Cancer fatigue – do you know about it?

What is cancer fatigue? The meaning of fatigue is tiredness and lack of energy. One feels as if one cannot do things at ones normal pace. We all have felt fatigue at times - maybe when we are working too hard, worrying about something or just doing too much partying! Improper nutrition or taking too little exercise can make it worse. With fatigue, your body lets you know that you are over doing it. The tiredness is usually short-lived and then you feel better after you stop and rest.

However, Fatigue for people with cancer can be very different and difficult than this. It may not go away even with loads of rest. It can continue for weeks, months or even years after you finish treatment. Most people take between 6 months and a year after treatment ends to regain their normal energy levels. But it can sometimes even take longer.

Fatigue is the most common and troubling symptom for people with the disease. About as many as 9 out of 10 people may have it at some time during their illness or treatment. Most of the patients feel nothing can be done about it and so don't ever mention it to their doctors. Doctors and nurses don’t always appreciate the long term effects of fatigue on people with cancer. Increasing amount of research has been put in this area and things are improving. There are ways of relieving fatigue.

How it affects day to day living?
Fatigue can be very irritating. Don’t underestimate how much it can affect daily life. Doctors may overlook fatigue, leaving the patient to cope alone with it. Fatigue can affect one mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. Everyday life can be real hard work and one may not have any energy to cook, clean, bathe or go shopping.

Cancer fatigue is a side effect of treatment and affects between 7 and 9 out of every 10 people (70 to 90%). Many patients find it to be the most disruptive side effect of all. In a survey in the UK, over 9 out of 10 people (90%) said fatigue stopped them leading a normal life. People have described their fatigue as

• Unusual
• Excessive
• A whole body experience
• Unrelated to how much or how little they do • Unbelievable

Manage your fatigue
You can manage your fatigue by taking appropriate amount of rest. Do not overdo it. Also stay as active as you can. Regular exercise like walking several times each week can be of great help. Eat and drink healthy and nutritious food. Do more activities by spreading them throughout the day. Take rest breaks between activities. Also do things that you enjoy and which make you feel good. Try listening to music, or visiting with friends and family, or looking at pleasant pictures, at least three times per week.

One does not imagine fatigue. It is very real and should not be ignored. Don't forget to mention it to your doctors and nurses. Treatment and diagnosis are already enough to cope with and feeling tired all the time will only makes things more difficult. It is very important that a patient ask for some help for cancer fatigue.

Also read our article about Alternative Cancer Medicine