What is Cancer-Related Fatigue (CRF)?
Excessive tiredness or exhaustion brought on by mental, emotional, or physical effort is known as fatigue. Most people have had this common experience at some point in their life. The degree of fatigue can vary, ranging from a slight sense of being tired to extreme exhaustion that substantially impairs an individual’s capacity to operate.
Yet for a cancer patient `fatigue’ is altogether a completely different experience. They consider it as the feeling of exhaustion, being completely worn out, unable to concentrate, feeling “heavy”, and most of all, feeling more tired than they have ever felt. Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms experienced by cancer patients.
Fatigue may fluctuate, with “good days” and “bad days” after a cancer diagnosis. Chemotherapy patients generally experience their highest level of weariness four to five days post-treatment, or during periods of low blood counts. Fatigue in radiation patients usually peaks at the conclusion of therapy and improves for one to three months after that. These may be the typical durations, but even in cases where the cancer is in remission, many patients report that their weariness continues for several months or even years following therapy. The most tired patients are frequently those who have had radiation therapy, chemotherapy, bone marrow or stem cell transplants, or those who have a have a progressive cancer.
Causes of fatigue
Cancer Treatment: Cancer Fatigue can result after cancer therapies such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy, surgery, and other treatments. Excessive fatigue may be a result of the negative effects of various treatments as well as the body’s reaction to them.
Cancer itself: Fatigue may also be a result of the tumor’s presence. Patients may experience fatigue due to the high energy and nutritional demands placed on the body by cancer cells.
Other reasons: CRF can be caused by a number of reasons, including pain, anemia (low red blood cell count), hormonal changes, drugs, sleep disorders, stress, and mental distress.
Symptoms
Feeling extremely tired or weak when performing simple tasks
Lack of energy caused by staying in bed the whole day
Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
Muscle aches and pains
Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia or excessive sleeping
Emotional symptoms like irritability or sadness
Feeling uneasy after waking up in the morning
Losing interest in watching television or talking to friends
Management and Coping Strategies
To manage fatigue, strike a balance between mild exercise and rest. Avoiding idleness is crucial because it might exacerbate existing weakness.
Consuming a diet that is well-balanced helps supply the body with the necessary nutrients to fight weariness. A dietician can be beneficial because cancer and its treatments can sometimes impact taste and appetite.
Even though it can seem irrational little activity, like yoga or walking, can help boost energy and lessen exhaustion. It is essential to speak with medical professionals prior to beginning a routine of exercise.
Enhancing sleep quality can be achieved by making your bedroom comfortable and peaceful, sticking to a regular sleep schedule, and avoiding stimulants like caffeine right before bed.
Making connections with people who are experiencing comparable things can help one feel less alone. Enhancing coping mechanisms and managing emotional suffering are more benefits of counseling or therapy.
Techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or mindfulness can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
Medical Interventions
In some cases, medications such as stimulants or antidepressants may be prescribed to help manage CRF.
Addressing anemia, pain, or other medical issues contributing to fatigue can improve symptoms. If anemia is contributing to fatigue, treatments such as iron supplementation or medications to stimulate red blood cell production may be recommended. Erythropoietin can be administered to cancer patients who develop anemia as a result of chemotherapy or the cancer itself to help reduce the severity of anemia and improve energy levels.
It’s critical that cancer patients discuss their weariness openly with their medical staff. Healthcare professionals can provide specialized guidance and assistance for efficient CRF management. A customized strategy to managing cancer-related fatigue is crucial, as each person’s experience with illness is different.
