10 May 2022

By Tracey Gardner, PCFA Psychologist

Experiencing cancer related fatigue is a common side effect of having cancer and cancer treatment. Many people report having significantly less energy, having a pervasive feeling of tiredness or weakness, and having a greatly reduced ability to perform tasks they would normally find easy.

It is important that you let your doctor know about your fatigue as they will want to assess which aspects of your cancer or treatment are contributing and may be able to prescribe medication to assist.  An example may be adjusting any medication you may be taking for pain. Poorly controlled pain is just one of many factors that can influence fatigue.

Whatever the cause for your fatigue, below are some things you can do to help you cope:

• Adjust your expectations of yourself: If you are normally a busy or very active person, it is important to consciously acknowledge that you need to lower your standards, and not try to maintain your usual level of functioning.
• You may need to explain to others about your reduced capacity – particularly if you look relatively well, but this doesn’t match how you are feeling.
• Ask for and accept help. This can be challenging, particularly if you are naturally independent. It can help to consider – if a good friend were in your position and you were well, would you want the opportunity to give them a hand if they needed it? Allowing others to help is actually a gift you give to them when they wish they knew how to help.
• It can help to prioritise your ‘to do’ list and if possible, select certain things you can put on hold for now, or do to a lesser extent.
• Make a note of when in the day your energy is highest and plan to accomplish the most important tasks then.
• Pace yourself. Set yourself small, achievable goals for set periods of time and resist the urge to push through.
• Take regular breaks. Allow yourself 1 or 2 short naps throughout the day.  This can help to re-charge your batteries a little. Avoid napping for more than 20 minutes or so, or this may reduce your ability to sleep well at night.
• Try to get regular exercise. Research shows that moderate exercise can help to reduce the effects of fatigue.  Check with your doctor if this is ok before commencing any new form of exercise.
• Eat as well as you can, and in particular, drink plenty of water. Being dehydrated is a significant contributing factor towards fatigue.
• Pay attention to your fatigue and try to get as much sleep and rest as you need.