How to Manage Fatigue during Cancer Treatment
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.
AMBULATORY CARE:
Fatigue
is mental and physical exhaustion that does not get better with rest. Your fatigue may make daily activities hard. You may feel sleepy all of the time. You may feel weak, tired, or be not interested in things you usually enjoy. Fatigue may happen during cancer treatment. Fatigue does not always mean that your cancer is getting worse or that the treatment is not working. It is important to manage your fatigue so you can continue to do your daily activities.
Seek care immediately if:
- You have chest pain.
- You have trouble breathing.
Call your doctor or oncologist if:
- You have trouble sleeping.
- You are confused or have trouble thinking or concentrating.
- You cannot get out of bed for more than 24 hours.
- Your fatigue prevents you from spending time with others or doing your daily routine.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Talk to your doctor or oncologist about your fatigue:
Only you know what your fatigue feels like, and how severe it is. Explain your fatigue to your healthcare provider by describing it as none, mild, moderate, or severe. You can also use a number scale of 0 to 10. Zero (0) is no fatigue. Ten (10) is the worst fatigue you can imagine. Your healthcare provider can help you manage your fatigue based on how you explain it.
Be active when you can:
Exercise or physical activity can improve your energy, appetite, and decrease fatigue. Walk for 15 to 30 minutes each day if you can. Ride a stationary bike for 5 or 10 minutes. Try strength training with light weights. Tai chi, yoga, or qigong, at low or moderate intensity, may also be recommended. When you exercise, choose something that you enjoy. Your provider can help you create a physical activity plan that fits your needs.
Plan time to rest:
Try to sleep at least 8 hours each night. Read a book or listen to music to help you relax before you go to bed. Take short naps of less than 1 hour during the day. Try not to sleep too much during the day. This can make it hard to sleep well at night.
Plan your activities:
Make a list of all the activities you would like to do in a day. Choose the most important activities to do first. Do activities when your energy levels are the highest. Know your limits and do not plan too many activities for one day.
Plan your work schedule:
You may feel well enough to work during cancer treatment. Do not work for long periods of time or take on too much work. You may be able to plan your treatments for late in the day or before the weekend. Ask your employer what your options are if you feel you cannot work.
Ask for help when you need it:
Ask for help from family or friends to complete activities, do things around the house, or run errands. Let others do things for you so that you can use your energy to do activities that are most important to you. Ask someone to drive you to and from radiation or chemotherapy.
Manage your stress:
Do activities that help decrease fatigue and stress. For example, practice a type of meditation called mindfulness. During mindfulness, you sit quietly and focus on the moment. You try to be fully present and aware of what you think and feel without judgment. Other examples include deep breathing exercises, reading, listening to music, or painting. Choose activities that you enjoy and relax you. Ask your healthcare provider for more ideas on how to decrease stress.
Go to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT):
CBT is a type of talk therapy. A therapist can use CBT to help you find ways to manage feelings of stress or depression. This can help decrease fatigue.
Eat a variety of healthy foods:
Healthy foods help increase your energy levels. Healthy foods include fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy products, beans, lean meats, and fish. Meet with a dietitian to learn about the best nutrition plan for you. It may be helpful for you to eat many small meals throughout the day instead of 3 large meals. Limit alcohol and caffeine. .
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Follow up with your doctor or oncologist as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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