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Fatigue
Fatigue refers to a general shortage of energy. Fatigue is generally associated with weakness, exhaustion, excessive tiredness, and a reduced ability to work. The term "acute fatigue" refers to the normal and expected tiredness after brief periods of exertion or loss of sleep, while "chronic fatigue" is a prolonged lack of energy that can be problematic, often interfering with wellness and quality of life (1, 2).
Chronic fatigue is a common condition in individuals with cancer. Some of the possible contributing factors to fatigue in cancer patients are persistent pain from the cancer itself, weight loss, breathing difficulty, insomnia, anemia, and fluctuating hormones. Fatigue may also be the results of the demands that cancer treatment places on the body. For example, healthy tissue is damaged in radiation therapy, and the body requires energy to repair it; this energy requirement may exceed the body's ability to maintain normal energy levels. Similarly, common side-effects of chemotherapy-nausea, vomiting, weight loss, reduced appetite-may also induce fatigue. Fatigue can also be the result of the anxiety and emotional depression that is sometimes associated with receiving a cancer diagnoses, or anticipating cancer treatment (2, 3).
Fatigue can have a negative impact on an individual's sense of well-being, work performance, ability to enjoy daily activities, and relationship with family and friends. It can even influence treatment outcomes, as loss of productivity may negatively impact the patient's financial status, which could prohibit the individual from pursuing more costly treatments. Moreover, fatigue may interfere with a patient's willingness or ability to comply with treatment instructions (2, 3).
Because the possible sources of fatigue are numerous and the individuals afflicted with vary greatly in their subjective experience, there is no standard approach for the evaluation and treatment of fatigue. Common clinical approaches to combating chronic fatigue include medication (typically, antidepressants or psychostimulants), treatment of anemia (if applicable), exercise, cognitive behavior therapy, rest, and patient education (2, 3).
- "Fatigue." (2001) Stedman's Concise Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions, 4th ed.
- Edenhson, Ali. "Fatigue in Mesothelioma Patients." Available: http://ezinearticles.com/?Fatigue-in-Mesothelioma-Patients&id=641943 (Accessed July 30, 2007).
- "Fatigue." From the National Cancer Institute's website. Available: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/supportivecare/fatigue/healthprofessional (Accessed July 30, 2007).