OverviewWhat is fatigue?Fatigue can be confused with tiredness. Everyone gets tired. It's an expected feeling after certain activities or at the end of the day. Usually, we know why we're tired, and a good night's sleep will solve the problem. Show
Fatigue is different. Fatigue is a daily lack of energy — an unusual or excessive whole-body tiredness that is not relieved by sleep. It can be acute (lasting a month or less) or chronic (lasting from one to six months or longer). Fatigue can have a profoundly negative impact on a person's ability to function and quality of life. Cancer-related fatigue (CRF, sometimes simply called "cancer fatigue") is one of the most common side effects of cancer and its treatments. Many people who are chronically ill feel tired. But cancer-related fatigue goes beyond the usual tiredness. People who experience cancer fatigue often describe it as "paralyzing." Usually, it comes on suddenly and is not the result of activity or exertion. With this type of fatigue, no amount of rest or sleep helps. You feel physically, emotionally and mentally exhausted most of the time. Cancer fatigue may last a few weeks (acute) or for months or years (chronic). Chronic cancer fatigue can harm your quality of life. How common is cancer fatigue?Cancer-related fatigue affects 80% to 100% of people with cancer. Who might have cancer fatigue?All types of cancers and cancer treatments can cause fatigue. That’s because your body’s immune system is working hard to fight the disease. Symptoms and CausesWhat causes cancer fatigue?Cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy and surgery, can cause fatigue. These treatments can:
The exact reason for cancer fatigue is unknown. Cancer fatigue may be related to both the disease process and treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and immunotherapy. Cancer treatments commonly associated with cancer fatigue are:
Cancer and its treatment can also make you prone to these issues that may contribute to cancer fatigue:
Diagnosis and TestsHow can I tell if I have cancer fatigue?
How is cancer fatigue diagnosed?Your healthcare provider will assess your symptoms. You may be asked to complete a questionnaire or rate your fatigue level. Your provider may ask you to keep a journal to track your level of fatigue and factors that might contribute to fatigue. Blood tests can check for anemia, signs of infection or other problems that cause fatigue. Management and TreatmentHow can I combat cancer fatigue?The best way to combat fatigue is to treat the underlying cause. Unfortunately, the exact cause may be unknown, or there may be multiple causes. There are treatments to reduce certain causes of cancer fatigue, such as anemia or hypothyroidism. Other causes must be managed on an individual basis. The following are tips you can use to combat cancer fatigue:
What are the complications of cancer fatigue?Persistent fatigue can interfere with your ability to participate in life’s activities. You may miss out on time with family and friends. It can affect your ability to concentrate and think clearly. Some people are too exhausted to continue working. As many as 1 in 4 people with cancer develop depression. Sometimes, it’s hard to determine if fatigue leads to depression or vice versa. How is cancer fatigue managed or treated?The first step in treating fatigue is knowing the problem exists. Many people don't bother to mention fatigue to their doctors because they believe it is normal. It's vital that you discuss this and all symptoms or side effects with your healthcare provider. Then, efforts can be directed at determining the cause of the problem and prescribing appropriate treatment. Your particular cancer treatment regimen, with its known side effects, may provide clues for your doctor or health care professional. A simple blood test, for example, can determine if you are anemic. There is no single medication available to treat fatigue. However, there are medications available that can treat some of the underlying causes. When you’re struggling, you may want to see a palliative care specialist. These experts help people with cancer manage symptoms like pain, nausea and depression. Your provider or palliative care team may recommend these actions to ease fatigue:
Outlook / PrognosisHow long does cancer fatigue last?Everyone’s experience with cancer fatigue is unique. For some people, fatigue lasts a few weeks. Others may feel exhausted for years. You may feel better when your cancer treatments stop, but often fatigue lingers.
Living WithWhen should I call the doctor?You should call your healthcare provider if you:
What questions should I ask my doctor?You may want to ask your healthcare provider:
How can I conserve energy when I have cancer fatigue?Plan and organize your work
Schedule rest
Pace yourself
Practice proper body mechanics to combat cancer fatigue
Limit overhead work
Limit isometric work
Identify anything in your environment that may contribute to cancer fatigue
Prioritize
Should I change the way I eat to combat cancer fatigue?Cancer fatigue may be worse if you're not eating enough or if you are not eating the right foods. Maintaining good nutrition can help you feel better and have more energy. The following strategies can help you improve your nutritional intake.
Can a dietitian help me fight cancer fatigue?Dietitians can provide suggestions to work around any symptoms that may be interfering with caloric intake. They can help you find ways to take in calories despite an early feeling of fullness, swallowing difficulty or taste changes. Dietitians can also suggest ways of maximizing calories and proteins in smaller amounts of food. They may suggest powdered milk, instant breakfast drinks and other commercial supplements or food additives. How can exercise help reduce cancer fatigue?You may feel ill from your cancer or treatment, which may lead to less physical activity. Decreased levels of physical activity can lead to tiredness and lack of energy. Scientists have found that even healthy athletes forced to spend extended periods in bed or sitting in chairs develop feelings of anxiety, depression, weakness, fatigue and nausea. Regular, moderate exercise can decrease the feeling of fatigue and help you feel energetic. Even during cancer therapy, it's often possible to continue to exercise. Be sure to check with your healthcare provider before starting an exercise program. Exercise has many health benefits. Regular exercise can:
What is the right kind of exercise for cancer fatigue?It's important for you to exercise your whole body every day, or at least every other day. A good exercise plan starts slowly, allowing your body time to adjust. Any kind of exercise is acceptable, including walking, riding a stationary bike, yoga or swimming (if the immune system is OK), and strength training. Whatever kind of exercise you do should be at a moderate intensity so you can say to yourself "I am working somewhat hard." Avoid exercise that makes you feel sore, stiff or exhausted. What is the wrong kind of exercise for cancer fatigue?Exercising only occasionally or doing too much too fast can be dangerous. If you experience soreness, stiffness, exhaustion or feel out of breath as a result of your exercise, you are overdoing it. Can stress management help with cancer fatigue?Managing stress can play an important role in combating fatigue. Here are some ways you can manage stress:
If your stress feels overwhelming, talk to your healthcare provider. They are there to help. Can sleep be improved to reduce cancer fatigue?Sleep is an important part of wellness. Good sleep can improve your mental and physical health. Several factors contribute to how well you sleep, and there are things you can do to improve your sleep, including:
How can I prevent cancer fatigue?You can’t do much to prevent cancer-related fatigue. But these strategies may help minimize the problem:
A note from Cleveland Clinic A chronic illness like cancer can bring many unwanted challenges. Cancer fatigue is one of them. It makes sense that fighting off cancer can tire out your body. Cancer treatments can also be physically and mentally exhausting. Still, you shouldn’t hesitate to let your healthcare provider know how cancer fatigue is affecting your life. You can take steps to bring more energy back into your days. What is the last phase of the listening process quizlet?An active, learned process consisting of four phases: receiving/hearing the message, attending, comprehending/assigning meaning, and responding.
What is the last phase of the listening process?Responding—sometimes referred to as feedback—is the fifth and final stage of the listening process. It's the stage at which you indicate your involvement. Almost anything you do at this stage can be interpreted as feedback.
Which of the following is an example of an external obstacle to listening?External Listening Barriers
External barriers include: Noise. Any external noise can be a barrier, like the sound of equipment running, phones ringing, or other people having conversations. Visual distractions.
What is the difference between hearing and listening?According to Workman, hearing is the passive intake of sound while listening is the act of intentionally working to comprehend the sounds (e.g., words or background noises) you hear.
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