Rochester Regional Health Logo
COVID-19 UpdatesFind a DoctorPay My Bill Donate icon Give
Health Hive logo
  1. Topics
    • COVID-19
    • Primary Care
    • Parents & Kids
    • Women's Health
    • Cancer Care
    • Brain & Spine
    • Surgery
    • Bone & Joint
    • View All Topics
  2. Patient Stories
  3. News
  4. About
Rochester Regional Health Logo
COVID-19 UpdatesFind a DoctorPay My Bill Donate icon Give
Cancer
  1. How to Manage Cancer-Related Fatigue

How to Manage Cancer-Related Fatigue

Some of the causes and suggestions for handling the common side effect of cancer

Aug. 25, 2021 • 2   min read

Cancer-related fatigue is one of the most common side effects of both cancer and its treatments. Affecting nearly 70% of all cancer patients, cancer-related fatigue is defined by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network as a “distressing, persistent, subjective sense of physical, emotional and/or cognitive tiredness or exhaustion related to cancer or cancer treatment that is not proportional to recent activity and interferes with usual function.”

“General fatigue is associated with feeling tired and usually occurs after bouts of increased activity. This type of fatigue can be resolved with adequate rest. Cancer-related fatigue, in contrast, is a higher intensity lack of energy that cannot be resolved by a good night’s sleep and can negatively impact a person’s mental health and quality of life”, says Vatsala Kirtani, MD, Hematologist/Medical Oncologist at Lipson Cancer Institute.

Many patients with cancer-related fatigue describe feeling tired, weak, not wanting to do things, not being able to concentrate, or feeling irritable.

Causes of Cancer-Related Fatigue

Cancer-related fatigue most often affects patients who are undergoing chemotherapy, radiation therapy, bone marrow transplant, or immunotherapy (biologic therapy) but is also an early symptom noted by many patients at the initial diagnosis of cancer. It may last for many months or even years after a patient completes cancer treatments.

Other factors that can contribute to cancer-related fatigue include insomnia, anemia, depression, stress, medications, pain, hypothyroidism, and decreased nutrition.

 

Managing Cancer-Related Fatigue

Physical therapy and exercise are noted as highly effective, evidence-based treatments for CRF. “For years, cancer patients experiencing fatigue have been advised to rest and avoid any activity that may worsen their fatigue, but research has shown that activity actually can help improve their fatigue. Exercise also has been shown to increase endurance, improve strength, increase appetite and improve sleeping patterns”, says Deanna Hayden, PT. Deanna is a physical therapist who specializes in cancer-related fatigue therapy at Rochester Regional Health’s Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Center at the Midtown Athletic Club.

The Rochester Regional Health Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation team and the Lipson Cancer Institute have collaboratively developed a treatment program for CRF, in which skilled physical and occupational therapists use a holistic approach to help counteract some of the effects of this condition.

And while it can’t be completely cured, CRF can be carefully managed with a few tips:

  • Plan ahead and prioritize tasks
  • Delegate day-to-day tasks, if you can
  • Schedule frequent rest breaks
  • Keep a moderate pace for activities
  • Breathe evenly
  • Wear loose clothing
  • Avoid extreme temperatures
  • Eat a balanced diet
  • Stay hydrated
  • Take supplemental vitamins
  • Manage stress
  • Get a full night of sleep
  • Implement a customized exercise plan
NEXT STEPS Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

A host of resources for cancer patients are available on the Fatigue Therapy section of the Rochester Regional Health Cancer Treatment website.

Discover More
cancer icon
ProviderPromo
Vatsala G. Kirtani, MD
Hematology And Medical Oncology
View Profile
Recent Articles
Health Hive
Men’s Health Screenings at Every Age

Taking care of our bodies and minds is important at every age. During Men’s Health Month, we break down the recommended health screenings for men across all age groups.

Patient Stories
Rob Pinson's Story

Over the course of a few months, Rob Pinson went from relatively healthy to undergoing cancer treatment. The staff at the Lipson Cancer Institute were there for him every step of the way.

Neurology
Risk Factors for Stroke in Women

Strokes are among the top 3 causes of death for women in the United States. If you know the risks, you have a better chance at reducing or preventing your risk of stroke.

Parents & Kids
Hepatitis in Children: What Parents Should Know

An unusual surge in severe hepatitis cases in children is leading pediatricians to be on the lookout for symptoms in their patients. Steven Schulz, MD, explains the disease and what to look for.

Get Email Updates

Sign up for our Health Hive newsletter to receive our top stories and tips to help you live a longer, healthier life.

Thanks! We've added you to our Health Hive newsletter
Enhancing Lives. Preserving Health.
Contact Us

Your Care

  • Closings & Cancellationss
  • Find a Doctor
  • Find a Location
  • Billing & Insurance
  • Classes & Events
  • Health Hive - News Hub
  • Our Services
  • Closings & Cancellations

Company

  • Careers
  • About Us
  • ACM Global Laboratories
  • Contact Us
  • Diversity and Inclusion
  • ElderONE
  • Volunteer
  • GRIPA
  • Media and Public Relations
  • Quality and Safety
  • Sustainability

Resources

  • Workday
  • Employees
  • Healthcare Professionals
  • Make a Gift
  • Medical Education & Research
  • MyCare
  • Sponsorships
Rochester Regional Health Logo
© 2022 Rochester Regional Health. All Rights Reserved.
  • Non Discrimination
  • Disclaimer
  • Language Assistance
  • Privacy Policy