Managing fatigue

Managing cancer-related fatigue

Fatigue is one of the most common and challenging effects of cancer and its treatment. It is different from normal tiredness and may not improve with rest alone.

Understanding fatigue

Fatigue can affect people in different ways, and it’s often helpful to think of it in three main types:

  • Physical – feeling tired in your body, with reduced strength or stamina
  • Emotional – feeling low, overwhelmed, or lacking motivation
  • Cognitive – difficulty concentrating, thinking clearly, or remembering things

Think of your energy like a battery. If you use too much without recharging, you can feel completely drained.

Learning to recognise your energy levels and use them wisely can help you manage fatigue more effectively. This allows you to feel more in control and make choices about how you spend your time and energy each day:

What may help

Strategies that may help include:

  • Gentle physical activity
  • Pacing activities and prioritising rest
  • Eating and drinking regularly
  • Managing sleep and stress

Support should be tailored to individual needs.

When to ask for support

If fatigue is affecting daily life, speak to your healthcare team. Support and advice can make fatigue more manageable.

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