Living with cancer related fatigue

Overview

Cancer-related fatigue is an overwhelming, persistent feeling of tiredness or exhaustion that doesn't get better with rest. It is different from normal tiredness and can affect every part of your daily life.

Yes. Cancer-related fatigue is very common. Most people who have cancer or cancer treatment experience it at some point.

It can affect anyone living with cancer, at any age, and at any stage — during treatment, after treatment, and sometimes even before a diagnosis.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Feeling exhausted after very little activity
• Lack of energy, even after sleeping
• Trouble falling asleep or sleeping too much
• Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
• Feeling weak, heavy, or unsteady
• Loss of interest in things you usually enjoy

Symptoms in children

• Being more irritable or moody than usual
• Playing less or refusing to play
• Complaining of feeling tired or weak
• Sleeping more than usual
• Difficulty in school or with attention

Symptoms in older adults

• Greater difficulty doing everyday tasks like dressing or cooking
• Increased confusion or memory lapses
• Higher risk of falls due to weakness
• Less interest in social activities
• Unintentional weight loss or loss of appetite

Causes

Main causes

• The cancer itself changing how your body uses energy
• Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and some immune therapies
• Anemia (a low number of red blood cells), which means less oxygen reaches your tissues
• Chronic pain, poor sleep, or poor nutrition
• Stress, anxiety, or depression

Risk factors

• Having advanced cancer or multiple types of treatment
• Receiving combinations of chemotherapy and radiation
• Being older or having other long-term health conditions
• Already having fatigue, depression, or poor sleep before treatment

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Seek same-day medical advice if you have a high fever, chills, or signs of infection
• If you feel severely weak and cannot do basic daily activities
• If you become confused, very dizzy, or are unable to keep down fluids

Book a routine appointment if:

• Mention fatigue at your next appointment if it is not improving
• Discuss if fatigue keeps you from eating, walking, or doing things you enjoy
• Ask about a referral to a physiotherapist, occupational therapist, or psychologist

Diagnosis

There is no single test for cancer-related fatigue. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, how long you have had them, and how they affect your life. They will also check for other health problems that could be causing fatigue.

Tests that may be done

• Blood tests to check for anemia, thyroid problems, or infection
• A review of your medicines to see if any can cause tiredness
• A sleep history to look for insomnia or other sleep issues
• A questionnaire about your mood, anxiety, and daily energy levels

What to expect at your appointment

Your doctor may ask you to rate your fatigue on a scale. They may also ask you to keep a diary of your energy patterns. It can take a few visits to find the cause and the best way to help.

Treatment

Treatment focuses on improving your quality of life. Your care team may treat underlying problems like anemia, pain, or low thyroid hormone. They may also suggest physical activity, energy-saving strategies, and talking therapies. Each person’s plan is different.

Self-care at home

• Plan short rest breaks into your day, but avoid long naps that interfere with night sleep
• Try gentle activity like walking or stretching — even a few minutes can help
• Break tasks into small steps and pause before you feel completely exhausted
• Ask family or friends to help with shopping, cooking, or childcare
• Keep a diary to notice your best energy times and plan important activities around them
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and heavy meals close to bedtime

Medical treatments

Your doctor may prescribe medicines to treat severe fatigue, but this is only after checking for other causes. They may also refer you to physiotherapy, occupational therapy, or psychology. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) has been shown to help some people manage fatigue. Your care team will talk through all options with you.

Living with this condition

Listen to your body. Plan your day around your best energy times. Do things that matter most to you and let other tasks wait. It is okay to say no to extra requests.

Lifestyle tips

• Try to stay physically active in small chunks — for example, a 10-minute walk after meals
• Keep a regular sleep schedule — go to bed and wake up at the same times as much as possible
• Eat small, frequent meals with protein and fluids
• Drink enough water throughout the day
• Limit alcohol and avoid tobacco

Diet and exercise

Eating well can help, but don’t pressure yourself. Focus on balanced meals with protein, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. If you can, move a little each day — gentle movement often helps fatigue more than resting all the time. Always check with your care team before starting a new exercise plan.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with fatigue can be emotionally draining. You might feel frustrated, anxious, or sad about losing energy. These feelings are completely normal. Talk to your care team — they can connect you with counselling, support groups, or other mental health resources.

Prevention

You may not be able to completely prevent cancer-related fatigue, but you can lower its impact. Staying active, getting support for anxiety or depression, protecting your sleep, and eating well can all make a difference.

Complications

If left untreated

• Falls and injuries from weakness
• Trouble completing cancer treatment as planned
• Poor quality of life and loss of independence
• Increased feelings of depression or anxiety
• Social isolation and withdrawal from family and friends

Long-term outlook

For many people, fatigue slowly lifts once treatment ends. Even if it lasts longer, it can improve with the right support. Many people find new ways to live fully and meaningfully, despite fatigue.

Find support

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