Why Cancer Fatigue Occurs and How to Cope

The most prevalent side effect associated with cancer and its treatment is fatigue, impacting over 80% of cancer patients. Both cancer itself and the therapies used to combat it harm healthy cells alongside malignant ones, forcing the body to work overtime to recover.

This relentless fatigue can permeate every facet of life, leaving patients too exhausted to engage in regular daily activities or maintain their social and community interactions. It often results in missed work or school, reduced time with loved ones, and a heightened need for rest, underscoring the profound impact fatigue has on the lives of those battling cancer.

Causes of Cancer Fatigue

A cancer that disrupts hormone levels can result in fatigue as a side effect. Breast and prostate cancers are known to alter hormones, leading to several other symptoms, including tiredness. Individuals with advanced cancer often experience more fatigue compared to those in earlier stages, possibly due to the higher number of cancer cells in their bodies, which contributes to exhaustion.

Factors such as reduced food intake, decreased physical activity, and medication use can also exacerbate this feeling of tiredness. Some cancers produce cytokines, proteins that are crucial for immune function, but they can also induce fatigue.

Certain cancers emit toxic substances that hinder the production of essential chemicals like potassium or calcium, vital for muscle and heart function. When these levels are depleted, this results in sleepiness and fatigue.

What to Do to Manage Cancer Fatigue

Get Moving

Engaging in moderate physical activity can alleviate fatigue associated with cancer, with activities like walking, cycling, and swimming being beneficial. For those experiencing fatigue due to cancer, exercising might boost endurance. If you’re about to begin mesothelioma cancer treatment, adopting a routine of regular exercise now helps ward off fatigue.

If you haven’t been active recently, consult your mesothelioma doctor to ensure it’s safe to start. Upon approval, begin at a gentle pace. You might also incorporate strength training, such as weightlifting.

Prioritize Getting Enough Sleep

While napping won’t solve chronic fatigue, brief naps can offer temporary relief. However, napping too close to bedtime might interfere with your sleep cycle. Consider adjusting your sleep habits to enhance your rest.

Communicate to those at home that your sleep is important by setting a virtual “do not disturb” sign. Observe your energy fluctuations throughout the day and aim to tackle demanding tasks when your  energy is at its peak. Prioritize essential activities and seek help or defer less critical ones.

Acupuncture

A 2020 review of research analyzed nine randomized, controlled trials involving 809 participants, revealing that six of these studies showed acupuncture significantly improved cancer-related fatigue.

While two trials noted minor side effects such as bruising and slight bleeding, no severe adverse reactions were reported. Beyond fatigue, acupuncture may offer relief for other symptoms associated with cancer.

Before proceeding, discuss with your doctor to ensure acupuncture is a safe option for you, and you might consider asking for recommendations for qualified acupuncturists. Additionally, if you have health insurance, verify with your provider whether acupuncture is covered and identify practitioners within your network.

Endnote

If you’re experiencing fatigue, organizing your day in advance can be beneficial. Consider scheduling your activities to ensure you have the energy for what matters most. Manage your pace, incorporate short naps and breaks, but try to balance these with some physical activity or exercise.

Align your plans with your treatment schedule. Cancer treatments impact individuals differently. On days when you don’t feel your best, it’s perfectly acceptable to be less active and allow yourself more rest.