What should I do about fatigue (tiredness)?
ACS Answer
Fatigue is the most common side effect of cancer treatment and differs from the tiredness of everyday life. Fatigue may be caused by a number of different factors, such as the cancer itself, treatment, pain, sleep difficulties, emotional distress, or anemia. It can appear suddenly, and can be overwhelming. It is not always relieved by rest, and can last for several months after treatment ends.
Because cancer treatment-related fatigue can affect many aspects of a person's life, including the ability to do usual activities, it should not be ignored. Studies have shown that exercising during treatment helps reduce fatigue.
What to look for
- Feeling like you have no energy
- Increased sleeping
- Lack of desire to do normal activities
- Decreased attention to personal appearance
- Feeling tired even after sleeping
- Difficulty concentrating
What to do
- Plan rest periods to conserve energy for important things.
- Schedule necessary activities throughout the day rather than all at once.
- Engage in light activity.
- Get enough rest and sleep.
- Eat a nutritious diet including plenty of liquids.
- Remember that fatigue caused by treatment side effects is temporary and that energy will slowly improve when blood counts return to normal.
- Let others help you with meals, housework, or errands.
- Let your doctor know about your fatigue.
Do not
- Force yourself to do more than you can manage
Call the doctor about any of the following symptoms
- Unable to get out of bed for more than a 24-hour period
- Confusion
- Progressive worsening of fatigue
Related Resources
Get more information about treatment of fatigue.
Find books that cover this and other cancer topics at the American Cancer Society bookstore.
Recommended Consultation
You should consider discussing this topic with your doctor or health care team.
