
Understanding Fatigue: Causes, Symptoms, and Management
Cancer-related fatigue is more than just feeling tired - it's a deep, persistent exhaustion that can impact daily life. Whether you're undergoing treatment or in recovery, understanding the causes and best ways to manage fatigue can help you regain energy and improve well-being.
What you'll learn by reading this page:
What is cancer-related fatigue
Learning how cancer-related fatigue can affect you
Effective ways to manage fatigue during cancer treatment
How diet, probiotics, and supplements can help with cancer fatigue
What is cancer-related fatigue?
Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is one of the most common cancer symptoms, affecting more than half of cancer patients.
Many people with cancer experience fatigue, a profound sense of tiredness, low energy, and exhaustion. This can occur before, during, and after treatment, with several reports of fatigue persisting for weeks, months, or even years after completing cancer therapy. Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a combination of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that does not improve with rest or sleep. It is typically more severe and difficult to manage than the fatigue experienced by those without cancer and can affect individuals regardless of whether they are undergoing cancer treatment.
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Cancer Survivor,
Member of The After Cancer
Cancer treatments and cancer-related fatigue
Chemotherapy: Many patients notice fatigue setting in a few days after a chemotherapy session. For some, it lingers until the next treatment, while others feel drained from the very first session onward. The body works hard to recover between treatments, which can leave patients feeling exhausted, but it generally improves before the next treatment.
Radiation Therapy: Unlike chemotherapy, fatigue from radiation therapy tends to build up gradually over weeks, peaking near the end of treatment. While energy levels may start improving after radiation ends, it can take weeks or even months to fully recover.
Immunotherapy: With immunotherapy, fatigue can be unpredictable, sometimes appearing early in treatment, other times weeks or months later. The immune system is working overtime to fight cancer, which can lead to extreme tiredness as a side effect.
Post - Surgery: It’s no surprise that surgery takes a toll on the body. The immediate aftermath is often the most exhausting, but as the body heals, energy levels gradually improve. Recovery time varies depending on the type and extent of surgery.
Anemia: Cancer treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery can reduce red blood cell levels, leading to anemia, a major cause of fatigue. Since red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body, a low count can leave patients feeling weak, dizzy, and drained.
“When I think of Cancer Related Fatigue, I recall a conversation that I had with my brother who had been diagnosed with non-hodgkins lymphoma. He had endured many harsh treatments and ultimately needed a stem-cell transplant. He was talking to me about his extreme level of exhaustion and described it like this: He said, “It’s like you see a pencil across the room, and you know you need that pencil, but you just don’t have the strength to stand up and get it. You may look at it for a long time, trying to muster up the energy to get there. Whether or not you do just depends on the day.” Perhaps this is an extreme example, but anyone experiencing CRF can certainly relate.”

Marie Theriault
Instructor of Tai Chi, Qigong and Yoga at The After Cancer
What else makes cancer-related fatigue worse?
While cancer treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and immunotherapy are major causes of cancer-related fatigue (CRF), they are not the only factors at play. Many other physical, emotional, and lifestyle-related issues can make fatigue worse or prolong it, even after treatment ends.
Pain and fatigue: A draining cycle
Why it matters: Chronic pain is exhausting, both physically and mentally. The body is constantly in distress, which drains energy levels.
Pain medications can also contribute → Some drugs used for pain management cause drowsiness and weakness, further worsening fatigue.
Emotional distress, anxiety & depression
Why it matters: Mental health plays a huge role in energy levels. Cancer-related stress, anxiety, and depression can lead to chronic exhaustion, loss of motivation, and poor sleep.
Fatigue and mental health are connected → Feeling constantly tired can make depression and anxiety worse, creating a vicious cycle.
Lack of physical activity
Why it matters: While too much exertion can worsen fatigue, too little movement can also have negative effects. Prolonged inactivity leads to muscle weakness, reduced stamina, and even more exhaustion.
Gentle movement can help → Light activities like walking, stretching, or yoga can boost energy without overexertion.

“I can remember feeling too tired to even watch television during chemotherapy treatment. It's not uncommon for individuals undergoing cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, to experience profound fatigue that significantly impacts daily life. For me, the journey of recovery included exercise and nutrition”

Dr Chasse Bailey Dorton
Breast cancer survivor & Medical Director of The After Cancer

Sleep problems and fatigue
Why it matters: Many cancer patients struggle with insomnia, restless sleep, or frequent nighttime waking, which prevents full recovery overnight.
Common sleep disruptors include Insomnia (difficulty falling or staying asleep), Sleep apnea (breathing interruptions during sleep), Restless leg syndrome (uncontrollable urge to move legs at night).
Poor sleep = Increased fatigue → When the body doesn’t rest properly, energy levels crash during the day.
Poor nutrition and dehydration
Why it matters: Food and water are the body's fuel sources. Without proper nutrition, the body can’t produce enough energy.
Common eating challenges include loss of appetite, nausea from treatments, difficulty swallowing and changes in taste or smell
Hydration is key → Even mild dehydration can make fatigue worse. Cancer patients should focus on nutrient-dense meals and plenty of fluids to maintain energy levels.
Other health conditions that worsen fatigue
Why it matters: Many cancer patients also have pre-existing health conditions that can make fatigue worse.
Common contributors include heart disease, respiratory conditions, or hormonal imbalances