Cancer related fatigue is frequently confused with cancer weakness, it is a debilitating symptom and a common experience by people during and after treatment. This is not your ordinary tired, but rather a chronic sense of physical, mental and emotional fatigue that cannot be rested or slept off. This tiredness may also be bothersome, make daily life activities difficult or decrease the quality of life… it is, in fact, one of the most frequent symptoms of cancer and to a larger extent underestimated.
Understanding Cancer-Related Fatigue (CRF)
After a long tiring day, all you would want to do is to rest - they sit down, take some air in and let the energy recharge. Cancer-related fatigue is no exception: It’s a message your body sends you: “You need that rest right now, not in 10 minutes.” It’s not laziness or weakness; it’s the guide from one’s own system to recover better.
In fact, cancer-related fatigue (CRF) can be mistaken for depression and vice versa because some of the same symptoms appear in each: low energy, lack of focus and lower motivation. For proper identification one will need to know the difference, however. Sometimes these conditions can co-happen, making the experience more complex and requiring coordinated personalized care.
CRF is like driving a vehicle with stuck gear and heavy load in a hilly area. The motor kicks over, there is gas in the tank, and yet it feels like I’m playing Operation with a set of jumper cables. And it’s not just a lack of will on the part of the cancer patient, it’s physical and emotional fatigue associated with the disease and treatment for cancer. Just as the car doesn’t—no matter how long you idle it—the CRF” return to maximum armor “blow without more than resting, so too does the human system require more than a lack of activity to reset. It involves the use of energy conservation techniques, physical rehabilitation, balanced nutrition, activity pacing and medical care.
On the other hand, depression is like having a clean car riddled with bird droppings all over your windshield. You’re fumbling forward, you can’t see straight, and you don’t know where the hell you’re going. It’s no longer a matter of will, it’s the motivation and direction to get there and do something about it.
Chronic fatigue can have many contributing factors, such as the illness itself, side-effects of treatments (like chemo- or radiotherapy and endocrine therapy), psychological and behavioural influences (as with stress, sleep disturbance or inactivity). Following is three ways one can deal with CRF One need to get an advice from a professional in such stuffs so that you would not end up into any problem. The role of Physical medical rehabilitation In addition to that, CRF can also be managed by consulting a Physical medical rehabilitation team.
Exercise
Evidence indicates that physical activity is the best non-pharmacological approach in dealing with fatigue. Begin with gentle intensity exercises such as walking or cycling. You can also start resistance training gradually and increase intensity and time as you're able.
Low-impact, gentle movements such as yoga stretching exercises can also reduce CRF. ESMO and ASCO, as well as NCCN and Oncology Nursing Society have established the recommendation of 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week.
Mind-Body Treatments
Moderate-to-strong evidence indicates that CBT is effective in the reduction of fatigue, particularly when it is aimed at sleep or energy-management. In the same vein, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) assists to cope with emotional as well as physical symptoms. It melds body scanning, meditation and gentle yoga, which decreases stress and improves physical fitness. Fatigue is reduced while mood and self-confidence are increased by these activities.
Conserving Energy
Occupational therapy-driven approaches help patients to maintain the balance of rest and activity and avoid over-exertion. Do most of your work when you have more energy. Employ labour-saving devices, delegate tasks, and eliminate non-essential activities to save your energy.
Core components include:
Poor sleep can worsen CRF. Interventions targeting sleep hygiene and CBT for insomnia have been effective in diminishing fatigue and increasing feel well rested. 23, 2020 Keep a regular schedule for going to bed and waking up Avoid caffeine and screens close to bedtime Establish a soothing bedtime routine in order to improve sleep hygiene.
Addressing Underlying Medical Causes
Medical disorders such as anaemia, thyroid problems, infections, side effects from drugs and so forth can produce or worsen fatigue. A thorough medical examination with the doctor is required in order to eliminate or correct these reversible causes. On the other hand, the use of fatigue self-management training using mobile apps and web-based treatment programs has shown potential for increasing coping skills. These often include stress management, activity monitoring, and fatigue education modules.
Addressing nutrition
Treat fatigue by correcting nutritional deficiencies. Provide for protein, hydration and assistance with nausea or loss of appetite that may restrict intake. Seek advice from a dietician for personalised diet guidance.
A Holistic and Personalised Approach
Joining support groups, asking questions and keeping yourself informed of your condition is important. Adhere to a healthy diet with small regular meals of leafy greens, protein, and fibre as well as good hydration. Avoid alcohol and ultra-processed items. The management of CRF is multi-faceted and patient-specific. The best approaches, he said, are a combination of lifestyle modification, medical evaluation and treatment, psychological help and exercise. Patients are encouraged to ask their medical team for assistance and be proactive in their care.
Some bonus tips:
(Ms. Bincy Mathew, Psycho-oncologist, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road Bengaluru)
Understanding Cancer-Related Fatigue (CRF)
After a long tiring day, all you would want to do is to rest - they sit down, take some air in and let the energy recharge. Cancer-related fatigue is no exception: It’s a message your body sends you: “You need that rest right now, not in 10 minutes.” It’s not laziness or weakness; it’s the guide from one’s own system to recover better.
In fact, cancer-related fatigue (CRF) can be mistaken for depression and vice versa because some of the same symptoms appear in each: low energy, lack of focus and lower motivation. For proper identification one will need to know the difference, however. Sometimes these conditions can co-happen, making the experience more complex and requiring coordinated personalized care.
CRF is like driving a vehicle with stuck gear and heavy load in a hilly area. The motor kicks over, there is gas in the tank, and yet it feels like I’m playing Operation with a set of jumper cables. And it’s not just a lack of will on the part of the cancer patient, it’s physical and emotional fatigue associated with the disease and treatment for cancer. Just as the car doesn’t—no matter how long you idle it—the CRF” return to maximum armor “blow without more than resting, so too does the human system require more than a lack of activity to reset. It involves the use of energy conservation techniques, physical rehabilitation, balanced nutrition, activity pacing and medical care.
On the other hand, depression is like having a clean car riddled with bird droppings all over your windshield. You’re fumbling forward, you can’t see straight, and you don’t know where the hell you’re going. It’s no longer a matter of will, it’s the motivation and direction to get there and do something about it.
Chronic fatigue can have many contributing factors, such as the illness itself, side-effects of treatments (like chemo- or radiotherapy and endocrine therapy), psychological and behavioural influences (as with stress, sleep disturbance or inactivity). Following is three ways one can deal with CRF One need to get an advice from a professional in such stuffs so that you would not end up into any problem. The role of Physical medical rehabilitation In addition to that, CRF can also be managed by consulting a Physical medical rehabilitation team.
Exercise
Evidence indicates that physical activity is the best non-pharmacological approach in dealing with fatigue. Begin with gentle intensity exercises such as walking or cycling. You can also start resistance training gradually and increase intensity and time as you're able.
Low-impact, gentle movements such as yoga stretching exercises can also reduce CRF. ESMO and ASCO, as well as NCCN and Oncology Nursing Society have established the recommendation of 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week.
Mind-Body Treatments
Moderate-to-strong evidence indicates that CBT is effective in the reduction of fatigue, particularly when it is aimed at sleep or energy-management. In the same vein, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) assists to cope with emotional as well as physical symptoms. It melds body scanning, meditation and gentle yoga, which decreases stress and improves physical fitness. Fatigue is reduced while mood and self-confidence are increased by these activities.
Conserving Energy
Occupational therapy-driven approaches help patients to maintain the balance of rest and activity and avoid over-exertion. Do most of your work when you have more energy. Employ labour-saving devices, delegate tasks, and eliminate non-essential activities to save your energy.
Core components include:
- Planning for the day ahead
- Spreading activity over the day
- Scheduling events during high energy times
- Assigning lower priority tasks where possible
- These techniques could be especially useful for people with fatigue following treatment.
Poor sleep can worsen CRF. Interventions targeting sleep hygiene and CBT for insomnia have been effective in diminishing fatigue and increasing feel well rested. 23, 2020 Keep a regular schedule for going to bed and waking up Avoid caffeine and screens close to bedtime Establish a soothing bedtime routine in order to improve sleep hygiene.
Addressing Underlying Medical Causes
Medical disorders such as anaemia, thyroid problems, infections, side effects from drugs and so forth can produce or worsen fatigue. A thorough medical examination with the doctor is required in order to eliminate or correct these reversible causes. On the other hand, the use of fatigue self-management training using mobile apps and web-based treatment programs has shown potential for increasing coping skills. These often include stress management, activity monitoring, and fatigue education modules.
Addressing nutrition
Treat fatigue by correcting nutritional deficiencies. Provide for protein, hydration and assistance with nausea or loss of appetite that may restrict intake. Seek advice from a dietician for personalised diet guidance.
A Holistic and Personalised Approach
Joining support groups, asking questions and keeping yourself informed of your condition is important. Adhere to a healthy diet with small regular meals of leafy greens, protein, and fibre as well as good hydration. Avoid alcohol and ultra-processed items. The management of CRF is multi-faceted and patient-specific. The best approaches, he said, are a combination of lifestyle modification, medical evaluation and treatment, psychological help and exercise. Patients are encouraged to ask their medical team for assistance and be proactive in their care.
Some bonus tips:
- Begin with 10-minute walks or on-chair exercises and very gradually increase, depending on your strength and energy.
- Practice being mindful or try relaxation such as deep breathing, 10-15 minutes every day. Some beginners find it helpful to use guided audio sessions.
- Use a fatigue diary to record your energy levels and plan activities when you have the most energy.
- No Taking long naps during the day, if you must keep it between 20-30 minutes.
- Ask your oncologist about fatigue; it is a real, treatable concern. It’s not something you just have to “live with.
- Ask your care team for suggestions of safe, evidence-based apps or tele-health programs. Begin gradually: Even little bits of movement count.
- Gradually ease into your routine.
- Do mind-body exercises that offer both stress relief and physical benefits.
- Save energy intelligently, concentrating on useful tasks.
- Nurture yourself with fluids and good company.
- Tweak with activity levels according to the day’s energy.
- Schedule important work during your personal energy high point.
- Do not go too long without food or water.
(Ms. Bincy Mathew, Psycho-oncologist, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road Bengaluru)
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