Fatigue due to cancer: Causes and ways to cope

Cancer fatigue is a chronic fatigue condition that causes the body to become exhausted. This is a common problem and affects most people during cancer treatment. Cancer fatigue can be a side effect of treatment or the cancer itself.

Cancer fatigue can be caused by many factors, and the factors that contribute to cancer fatigue can vary from person to person. However, factors that may contribute include:
Cancer: Cancer can cause changes in the body to chronic fatigue. For example, some cancers release proteins called cytokines, which are believed to be responsible for fatigue. Other cancers can increase the body's energy needs, weaken muscles, damage certain organs (such as the liver, kidneys, heart, or lungs), or change the body's hormones, All of which can contribute to fatigue. Cancer treatment: Cancer chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, bone marrow transplants, and immunotherapy can all cause fatigue. You may feel tired if cancer treatment damages healthy cells in addition to the cancer cells. Fatigue can occur as the body works to repair the damage caused by treatment. Some side effects of treatment, such as anemia, nausea, vomiting, pain, insomnia, and mood swings can also cause fatigue. Anemia: If treatment destroys too many healthy red blood cells. Anemia can also be caused by cancer that has spread to the bone marrow and interferes with blood cell production. Pain: Chronic pain can cause the body to be less active, eat less, sleep less and become depressed, all of which lead to cancer fatigue. Anxiety: Anxiety, stress, or depression related to a cancer diagnosis can also lead to fatigue. Lack of sleep: If you sleep less at night or if your sleep is frequently disrupted, it can also cause fatigue. Poor nutrition: When you have cancer, your body may need more nutrients than usual. But it can be difficult to absorb enough nutrients if you experience side effects of treatment, such as nausea and vomiting. Medications: Some medications, such as pain relievers, can cause fatigue. Lack of exercise Hormonal changes: Hormone therapy is a common cancer treatment that causes changes in hormone levels in the body that can lead to significant fatigue. Hormonal changes can also occur as a side effect of other cancer treatments. Not everyone with cancer feels tired. And cancer fatigue can vary from feeling a mild lack of energy to cancer causing exhaustion.
Cancer fatigue can come in waves and last only a short time, or it can last for several months after you finish treatment.

Expect some fatigue during cancer treatment. But if you find that cancer fatigue is persistent, lasts for weeks, and interferes with your ability to perform daily tasks, contact your doctor. The doctor may then examine you and ask questions to assess the severity and nature of your symptoms. Some questions like:
When did you start feeling tired? Has it progressed since diagnosis? How serious is it? How long does fatigue last? What relieves fatigue? What makes you more tired? How does fatigue affect daily life? Feeling short of breath or chest tightness? How's the sleep? How is the diet? Are you worried about something else? In addition to performing a physical exam and further evaluating your medical history, cancer treatments, and any medications you're taking, your doctor may recommend tests, such as blood tests or X-rays- light, depending on the specific situation.

Since cancer fatigue can be caused by many factors, there are also methods to reduce and cope with symptoms. These may include self-care methods and, in some cases, medication or medical procedures.
3.1 Medical Intervention Medicines may be available to treat the underlying cause of fatigue. For example, if fatigue is caused by anemia, a blood transfusion may be helpful. Medications that stimulate the bone marrow to produce more red blood cells may be an option.
If you are depressed, your doctor can recommend medications that can help reduce depression, increase appetite, and enhance feelings of happiness. Improving your ability to sleep can help reduce fatigue. Sometimes medication can be effective in helping a person sleep better.
Good pain control can help reduce fatigue in the long run. Medications to increase alertness may be an option in certain cases.

3.2 Self-care Relaxation: Take time out of your day to rest. Take a short nap of no more than an hour instead of resting for a long period of time. Conserve energy: Save energy for mission-critical operations. Track the times when you feel your best and plan to do important activities during those times. Call for help when needed. Adequate nutrition: Drinking plenty of water and eating well can help maintain energy stores. If nausea and vomiting make it difficult to eat, contact your doctor about it. Get active: Moderate exercise, such as brisk walking, biking, and swimming, throughout the week can help maintain energy. Exercise regularly from the start of treatment. An exercise routine can help prevent fatigue during treatment. Start at a slow pace and exercise for at least 150 minutes per week or half an hour of exercise five days per week. Try to include strength training exercises, such as lifting weights a few times a week. Consider integrative medicine options: Some people with cancer find relief from fatigue through meditation, yoga, and other relaxation methods. Massage and acupuncture may also be helpful. Supplements: Ginseng has been shown to reduce fatigue in small studies. If you want to try a supplement, ask your doctor, as ginseng and other substances can affect medications. In short, fatigue from cancer is a very common problem. This condition can be caused by the cancer itself or by treatment. If fatigue caused by cancer greatly affects a patient's daily life, contact your doctor immediately for appropriate treatment measures.
If you need in-depth advice on fatigue during cancer treatment, customers can contact Vinmec International General Hospital for a doctor's examination and appropriate indications. The hospital has a full range of specialties for intensive examination, treatment and rehabilitation, so that the patient's health condition is positively improved as well as minimized unwanted side effects.

Reference source: mayoclinic.org