Fatigue is a common symptom of cancer and a side effect of some cancer treatments. Cancer fatigue is more than feeling tired or sleepy. It can feel like an overwhelming lack of energy that interferes with your daily activities.
In this article, we’ll examine the connection between cancer and fatigue, how long it typically lasts, and what you can do about it.
Cancer can cause fatigue in various ways. Depending on the cancer type and stage, it can be due to multiple factors such as:
- low red blood cell count (anemia)
- high or low hormone levels
- 呼吸问题
- pain
- stress, anxiety, or depression
- 由于低胃口缺乏营养素或卡路里
- lack of physical activity
- loss of muscle mass and strength
- sleep disturbances
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Many people report fatigue with cancer treatment. Fatigue can be a side effect of:
- chemotherapy
- 辐射
- surgery
- hormonal and biologic therapies
- pain medications
While you’re in treatment, your body needs extra energy to heal and repair damaged tissue. And certain treatments, likechemotherapy, cause a build-up of toxins in your body. Some therapies can affect your sleep-wake cycle.
Of course, medical treatment isn’t the only piece of the puzzle. Individual circumstances also affect your level of fatigue. These include:
- number of different therapies and how long they last
- 年龄，一般健康
- relationships, social connections
- matters relating to work, child care, and other responsibilities
与癌症一起生活意味着您可能需要对您的日常进行许多调整，这可能导致疲劳与：
A 2014 research review found that in the majority of studies,
Additionally, most people in the research review above reported that fatigue resolved within a year following treatment. About
根据这一点
- 身体的
- 精神的
- emotional
Physical activity
When you’re drained of energy, exercise might be the furthest thing from your mind. But physical activity might help.
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- 轻快走路
- jogging
- swimming
- bike riding
Acupuncture
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Acupuncture也可能有助于其他癌症相关的症状。首先与医生交谈是一个好主意，以确保针灸对您有安全。您还可以要求推荐合格的针灸师。
如果你有保险,再保险也是个好主意ach out to your insurance provider to see if acupuncture is covered and, if so, who’s in your network.
Mindfulness-based stress reduction
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干预措施includedmindfulness meditation和yoga. At 1 month and 6 months, participants demonstrated more improvement in fatigue than the control group. There were also improvements in:
- sleep
- anxiety
- 沮丧
There are many apps available that can help guide you through a meditation. You can also sit quietly and try to clear your mind on your own.
Yoga is widely available, either at a gym or studio, or through free or paid online videos. If you’re new to yoga, look for classes or videos advertised as gentle or restorative.
治疗相关条件
Cancer and cancer treatment can cause other conditions. Sometimes, you can get relief from fatigue by treating conditions like:
- anemia
- pain
- anxiety
- 沮丧
优先考虑睡眠
Although napping won’t cure chronic fatigue, short naps can provide temporary relief. But napping too close to bedtime can disrupt your sleep cycle.
See if you can tweak yoursleep hygiene促进更好的睡眠。通过让家庭中的每个人都知道你的睡眠是一个优先事项，推出虚拟“请勿打扰”。
Think about how your energy level rises and falls throughout the day. Try to schedule the most taxing activities during peak energy times. Put less important tasks aside or ask for help.
Eat well
Even if your appetite is low, it’s important to eat a balanced diet filled with vitamins and nutrients, and to drink plenty of fluids. Ask your doctor if you should be taking dietary supplements.
Fatigue related to cancer and cancer treatment is not at all uncommon. Most people get over fatigue within a few months to a year following treatment. But there are a lot of moving parts to your life, so your experience will be unique to you.
通过每次治疗，您将有机会与您的肿瘤团队讨论交谈。他们可以衡量你的疲劳是否在正常范围内。如果没有，他们可以寻找一个原因和提供治疗。
A 2014 research review suggested that
如果您在治疗后6个月仍然经历疲劳，请跟进您的肿瘤科医生或家庭医生。
Most people in treatment for cancer will experience fatigue at some point. It’s often temporary, clearing up in the months following treatment. But it can turn into a long-term concern that interferes with your activities.
您不必接受衰弱的疲劳作为新的正常情况。您可以使用一些步骤，以便尝试改进问题。但疲劳有时可以发出可以治疗的潜在关注。
If fatigue is interfering in your daily life, having a discussion with your doctor is well worth your time.