Cancer Related Fatigue: Cancer Center: UI Health Topics

Cancer Related Fatigue

Peer Review Status: Internally Reviewed by the Cancer Information Service
Creation Date: 1998
Last Review Date: June 2004

What is Cancer Related Fatigue?
Cancer related fatigue is a feeling of tiredness, weakness, or lack of energy. It is the most common side effect of cancer treatment. This fatigue is different than fatigue of everyday life. It can appear suddenly and be overwhelming. It can last after treatment ends and rest does not always make it better. Cancer fatigue can affect your mood or emotions, your ability to concentrate, and your ability to do usual activities. Cancer fatigue is real and should not be ignored.

The cause of cancer fatigue is not fully known. Many things play a role such as:

Low blood counts
Medicines
Lack of sleep or changes in sleep
The physical and emotional stress of dealing with cancer and treatment
Not eating well

Look for the clues:

Feeling weary, exhausted or overworked
Having less desire to do normal daily activities
Being unable to concentrate, think clearly, or make decisions
Feeling moody or angry
Feeling out of touch with your usual sources of inspiration or hope
Feeling helpless or hopeless

What can you do?

Talk with your doctors and nurses about your fatigue. They can give you tips about how to maximize energy for the most important things in your life.
Keeping a journal of your energy level, when it is best, when it is worst, what makes it better, and what makes it worse, can be helpful when you come in for your appointments.

Last modification date: Thu Dec 4 10:54:23 2008
URL: http://www.uihealthcare.com /topics/medicaldepartments/cancercenter/fatigue/crf.html