Pain. Do you sleep well? 2000;20(3):214-232. In that respect, fatigue accompanied by unintentional weight loss is more concerning than fatigue alone.. Learn How Cancer Remission Does Not Necessarily Mean You Are Cured, Discover the Link Between Cancer and Anemia. Signs and Symptoms of Cancer. Possible questions include: It is important to remember that fatigue is not exclusive to cancer. Symptoms of fatigue include lack of energy, feeling tired all the time, and having trouble thinking or concentrating. Not everyone who has cancer experiences fatigue. You might try to: Get moving. Medications and other approaches can effectively treat cancer-related pain. American Cancer Society. Fatigue in people with cancer has many causes, but it can often be managed. Your secret weapon during cancer treatment? For most of us, it is temporary, usually caused by stress or being overworked. It is very common for a person who is getting chemotherapy or having radiation treatments to feel fatigued. People become frustrated at their inability to participate in normal activities and find that their tiredness is impacting their jobs and relationships.. Even though it's common and even expected, talk to your doctor if you are experiencing fatigue. Fatigue also can be a symptom of cancer. Fatigue is one of the most common problems for people receiving cancer treatment. Updated 08/11/14. If you're depressed, your doctor might suggest medications that can help reduce the depression, increase appetite and improve your sense of well-being. This content does not have an Arabic version. And if you do, the level of cancer fatigue you experience can vary — you may feel a mild lack of energy, or you may feel completely wiped out. You'll get in the routine of exercising, and it may even help you prevent fatigue during treatment. For some people, however, fatigue can become persistent, occurring daily. If you're fatigued, your doctor may examine you and ask you questions to assess the severity and nature of your symptoms. Others secrete substances known as cytokines, which in turn can cause fatigue., Fatigue has many causes besides cancer, though. Factors that can cause fatigue or make fatigue worse include: 1. fever 2. anemia 3. infection 4. pain 5. lung, liver, heart or kidney problems 6. electrolyte imbalances 7. poor appetite and nutrition 8. dehydration 9. lack of physical activity 10. sleeping problems 11. hormone imbalance 12. nausea and vomiting 13. stress, anxiety or depression 14. medicines for nausea, pain, anxiety and depression 15. alcohol or recreational drug abuse which often triggers fatigue. Chemotherapy and sex: Is sexual activity OK during treatment? What Is Cancer Fatigue and What Causes It? Kidney cancer, especially in its earlier stages, is another type that may not cause notable symptoms. Screening, assessment and management of fatigue in adult survivors of cancer: An American Society of Clinical Oncology clinical practice guideline adaptation. However, possible contributing factors include: Your cancer. Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid). Other cancers can increase your body's need for energy, weaken your muscles, cause damage to certain organs (such as liver, kidney, heart or lungs) or alter your body's hormones, all of which may contribute to fatigue. Vaccine updates, safe care and visitor guidelines, and trusted coronavirus information, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Cancer fatigue: Why it occurs and how to cope, Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital Edition, Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition, Give today to find cancer cures for tomorrow. We often hear about cancer patients who are extremely fatigued, but a lot of cancer-related fatigue is caused by the side effects of cancer treatment, not always cancer itself. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Fatigue usually lasts from three to four weeks … This may be because cancer cells use up much of the body’s energy supply, or they may release substances that change the way the body makes energy from food. It is described as feeling heavy, weak or worn out, and as having a complete lack of energy. He is an associate professor of clinical medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College and attending physician in the Department of Hematology Oncology at the New York Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center. Mouth sores caused by cancer treatment: How to cope, No appetite? Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Advice for dealing with what comes next, Cancer survivors: Care for your body after treatment, Cancer survivors: Late effects of cancer treatment, Cancer survivors: Managing your emotions after cancer treatment, Cancer survivors: Reconnecting with loved ones after treatment, Cancer treatment decisions: 5 steps to help you decide, Safe cancer treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic, Cancer treatment during COVID-19: How to move ahead safely, Cancer treatment for men: Possible sexual side effects, Cancer treatment for women: Possible sexual side effects, Chemotherapy and hair loss: What to expect during treatment. Colon cancer and stomach cancer can cause anemia through blood loss in the bowels, likewise leading to fatigue. Your doctor will likely order a few different blood tests, especially tests to check on your thyroid function.. The metabolic processes of tumors can also contribute to fatigue. 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