Cancer fatigue: what it is and how to cope

What is cancer fatigue?

Cancer fatigue - a persistent feeling of exhaustion and low energy levels - can be a symptom of cancer itself or a side effect of cancer treatment. It can affect you physically, mentally and emotionally and leave you feeling burned-out and distressed - although it can affect people in different ways.

Erin Fury, a cancer support specialist at Maggie's Cardiff, says cancer-related fatigue can be caused by a number of factors, including, the cancer and its treatments; surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and medication can all contribute to fatigue. It can also be caused by anaemia - when you have too little haemoglobin and too few red blood cells - as well as nausea, a lack of appetite, changes in taste, pain or breathlessness.

Psychological impact of cancer

"Many people think of fatigue as just being a physical concern but it can be an emotional or mental side effect also," Fury says.

The cancer support specialist says fatigue can be classed under three categories - physical, mental or emotional. Fury explains that mental fatigue can lead to problems with concentration, memory, and difficulty retaining new information. Negative thoughts and feelings can also feed into this mental fatigue and/or be a cause of it. "Psychological issues such as anxiety, depression, frustration and stress can all contribute to the mental fatigue often experienced by cancer patients."

This can be experienced at any time of their cancer experience, whether it be at time of diagnosis, during treatment or when treatment has finished.

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What does cancer fatigue feel like?

The common side-effects of cancer fatigue can vary widely and depend on the level of fatigue. The most common include a lack of energy, feeling disinterested or too tired to do things you enjoy, problems with rest or sleep, and finding it hard to get up in the morning or to be physically active at all. It may be difficult to concentrate on things like conversations or the TV, or you may find yourself feeling breathless after doing small tasks, like making the bed.

Cancer fatigue can make it difficult to think clearly or make decisions - and it can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression or low self-esteem.

How long does cancer fatigue last?

It's normal to feel tired, especially when you're unwell. However, cancer fatigue is often more intense and can last for weeks, months or even years. Everyone is different and there is no way to know how long fatigue may last for each person.

What is the impact of cancer fatigue?

It can be really difficult to cope with cancer fatigue and everyday life can be challenging and you might not have the energy to cook, clean or even have a chat with friends. Cancer fatigue can severly impact your quality of life, from work and relationships to hobbies. It can also affect your self-esteem or your finances, if you're forced to cut down your working-hours, for example.

Fatigue can also have a knock-on effect on your mental health too, as it can be a constant reminder of your cancer.

How to overcome cancer fatigue

Speak to your doctor

"Those struggling with cancer fatigue, should seek advice from their healthcare professionals," says Fury. "They can also pop into their nearest Maggie's Centre to speak to one of our cancer support specialists. By speaking to your medical team they can investigate what is causing your fatigue."

Find coping strategies

"Exercising and eating well can also help manage fatigue levels, alongside implementing some fatigue management coping strategies," Fury adds. You may be able to cut down your hours at work, or get help with day-to-day activities like food shopping. If going out is too difficult, you could meet friends at home or go for a relaxed coffee.

"By speaking to a cancer support specialist at Maggie’s, you can access information on how to implement the coping strategies," says Fury. "You can even come to a group session on cancer fatigue management to meet others in a similar position and learn how to manage your fatigue together."

Macmillan and the University of Southampton have a a scheme called Restore, which aims to support people with cancer fatigue.

Ask for help

It's not always easy to ask for help, but it's important to do so. Your cancer doctor, specialist nurse, or GP can refer you to an occupational therapist, who can look at practical ways of making your home comfortable and easy to live in.

Talk to friends and family and ask them to help you with things if you need. Charities like Maggie's and Macmillan have online communities to chat to people going through similar experiences.

Speak to a mental health professional

Living with cancer can be challenging and if you feel anxious or depressed, therapy might be helpful. Speak to your GP about what support is available, or you may be able to access counselling via your cancer specialist.

Further reading

Macmillan Cancer Support: Fatigue.

Cancer Research UK: What is cancer fatigue.