Cancer FatiguePronounced: CAN-sir Fah-TEEG
by
Mary Cresse DefinitionCancer fatigue is a feeling of extreme weakness and exhaustion. It occurs during cancer treatment. At times, it can make it hard to do basic tasks. The fatigue can last for weeks or even years.
CausesCancer and the side effects of treatment cause the fatigue. Fatigue can be made worse by the following:
These are common side effects of cancer treatment. Treatment effects on some organs like kidney, liver, or heart can also increase fatigue. Risk FactorsFactors that may increase your chances of cancer fatigue:
SymptomsCancer fatigue may cause:
DiagnosisYour doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. The doctor may ask you some questions. You may also be given a questionnaire. This will help to make a diagnosis. TreatmentTreatment will depend on your specific needs. Work with your care team to find what works best for you. Related problems like anemia will need to be treated. Other options include medicine, therapy, and home care. MedicineMedicine that may help to relieve fatigue include:
TherapyYour mental health can play a role. Stress and negative thought patterns can make fatigue worse. Changes to your life can also cause stress and negative thoughts. Therapy may help you find better ways to cope. There are different options such as one on one therapy or group sessions. Home CareChanges to your daily habits may also help. Options that may help include:
PreventionIt is not always possible to prevent cancer fatigue. Your care team will work to help you manage treatment and side effects. RESOURCES:American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org National Cancer Institute https://www.cancer.gov CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian Cancer Society https://www.cancer.ca Provincial Health Services Authority http://www.bccancer.bc.ca References:
Anemia of cancer. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T909257/Anemia-of-cancer
. Updated December 21, 2016. Accessed January 8, 2018.
Anemia of chronic disease. Iron Disorders Institute website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Accessed January 8, 2018. Cancer facts: Fatigue and cancer. International Cancer Council website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Accessed January 8, 2018. Cancer-related fatigue. American Cancer Society website. Available at:
https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/fatigue.html. Accessed January 8, 2018. General information about fatigue. National Cancer Institute website. Available at:
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects/fatigue/fatigue-pdq. Updated June 30, 2017. Accessed January 8, 2018. Lower EE, Fleishman S, Cooper A. Efficacy of dexmethylphenidate for the treatment of fatigue after cancer chemotherapy: a randomized clinical trial.
J Pain Symptom Manage. 2009;38(5):650-662. Minton O, Richardson A, Sharpe M, Hotopf M, Stone P. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the pharmacological treatment of cancer-related fatigue.
J Natl Cancer Inst. 2008;100(16):1155-1166. Patterson E, Wan YW, Sidani S. Nonpharmacological nursing interventions for the management of patient fatigue: a literature review. J Clin Nurs. 2013;22(19-20): 2668-2678.
Toxicities of chemotherapeutic agents. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed...
. Updated January 4, 2018. Accessed January 8, 2018.
Yennurajalingam S, Frisbee-Hume S, Palmer JL, et al. Reduction of cancer-related fatigue with dexamethasone: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial in patients with advanced cancer. J Clin Oncol. 2013;31(25):3076-3082. Last reviewed November 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Mohei Abouzied, MD, FACP Last Updated: 8/8/2018 |
|
EBSCO Information Services is fully accredited by URAC. URAC is an independent, nonprofit health care accrediting organization dedicated to promoting health care quality through accreditation, certification and commendation. This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition. To send comments or feedback to our Editorial Team regarding the content please email us at healthlibrarysupport@ebsco.com. Our Health Library Support team will respond to your email request within 2 business days. |