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Dealing with Cancer Fatigue

Dealing with Cancer Fatigue

Cancer Fatigue is the most distressing symptom experienced by men with Prostate Cancer. It is also a very common effect, which makes it even more important to deal with.1


Generally, 3 in 4 men with Prostate Cancer experience Cancer Fatigue.2 For those with advanced Prostate Cancer, this number increases to 9 in 10, either caused by the disease or the treatment.1 


Although Cancer Fatigue can have a significant effect on daily life, there are ways to manage the impact.

What is Cancer Fatigue?

The experts describe Cancer Fatigue as ‘distressing, persistent, subjective sense of physical, emotional and/or cognitive tiredness or exhaustion related to cancer or cancer treatment, that is unrelated to recent activity, and which interferes with usual functioning’. In short, feeling extremely tired or wiped out for no apparent reason, which renders you unable to function properly.1

The fatigue one feels often goes far beyond just the physical tiredness. It can also be described in terms of reduced motivation, feeling like your thinking is impaired, you feel emotionally drained and mentally unwell and generally overwhelmed.1

Fatigue and exercise
Fatigue and exercise

 

Numerous studies have proven that physical exercise reduce Cancer Fatigue.1 

The studies looked at various types of exercise, which all showed similar results – exercise significantly improves symptoms of fatigue:1

  • Walking
  • Aerobic training
  • Weight-lifting
  • Resistance training
  • High intensity interval training
  • Football / golf

Try getting a good exercise session in at least 3-5 times a week, lasting 20-30 minutes each.3 It does not matter what type of exercise you do, as long as you get out there and stay active, you will reap the rewards by feeling better every day.

 

Exercise with others
Exercise with others

 

Doing physical exercise as part of a team or with a friend is also helpful. Building social bonds helps you stay committed to continuing with the activity, and helps build camaraderie and mutual support.1

Adjust your diet
Adjust your diet

 

Men with Prostate Cancer lose lean muscle mass, especially when treated with hormone-treatment, while pro-inflammatory markers are higher in those with cancer, which adds to the feeling of fatigue.3

  • Eating more protein (more than 1 g/kg body weight) has been proven to reduce Cancer Fatigue.3
  • Eating foods that is high in antioxidants and with known anti-inflammatory action is very important. This includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains and oily fish.3
  • Reduce the amount of cheese, yogurt and red meat you eat per week as it may cause inflammation.3

Keep a diary
Keep a diary

 

Keeping a daily diary to record your fatigue, including a scale of the intensity and impact on daily life can help your healthcare team understand patterns and how it possibly relates to treatment.4

Conserve energy
Conserve energy

 

You can make changes in everyday activities to conserve energy. Try the following:4

  • Prioritise – write down priorities for the day and consider their importance. Consider asking others to help with activities where possible. Keep in mind that hobbies and fun activities can be part of fatigue treatment and should not always be deprioritised.
  • Plan – this is where your Fatigue Diary comes in handy. Knowing when your energy levels are at its highest and lowest can help you plan your day, and even your week. Try to balance times to rest and times to stay active to best utilise your daily energy levels. 
  • Check your pace – break activities into manageable pieces if possible. Even exercise can be done whenever it best suits your energy levels – it does not always have to be all in one go.

Talk about it
Talk about it

 

Another way to help improve the symptoms of Cancer Fatigue is through gaining as much knowledge about the symptom as possible and dealing with the impact through cognitive behavioural therapy.5

How can I as caregiver support my loved one struggling with Cancer Fatigue?

As a caregiver, the most important thing would be to acknowledge and accept the fact that Cancer Fatigue is difficult to cope with for your loved one, and offering to help can greatly support them in dealing with the everyday impact.6

Helping with activities like driving to appointments or errands can take some pressure off, while joining them in exercise at their pace can show your support. Preparing balanced meals for them can benefit everyone that shares the meal and offer an opportunity for social engagement, if they feel up to it, otherwise drop of easy-to-store/heat meals to enjoy when they are ready.6

Do not forget to also look after yourself, your health and your own well-being. Support groups are not only there for the benefit of the one with Prostate Cancer; they are also there to help family and other caregivers to understand how best support their loved ones while also looking after themselves.6

Don’t be afraid to talk to your healthcare team about your experiences and the impact the symptom has on your life, as they can only help you find the best way to fight the fatigue in ways that best suit you, if they know how you feel. Many organisations also offer services or information on dealing with Cancer Fatigue.

 

 

References:
  1. Cornford P, Robijn E, et al. Fatigue in Prostate Cancer: A Roundtable Discussion and Thematic Literature Review. European Urology Open Science 2024;63:119–125.

  2. Langston B, Armes J, et al. (Abstract) The prevalence and severity of fatigue in men with prostate cancer: a systematic review of the literature. Supportive Care in Cancer, 2013;21:1761-1771.

  3. Baguley BJ, Bolam KA, et al. The Effect of Nutrition Therapy and Exercise on Cancer-Related Fatigue and Quality of Life in Men with Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review. Nutrients 2017;9:1003.

  4. Burgess M. Managing Prostate Cancer Related Fatigue. Prostate Cancer UK. May 2024. Available from https://www.ucc-today.com/journals/issue/launch-edition/article/managing-prostate-cancer-related-fatigue-ucct. Accessed 2024/05/27.

  5. Larkin D, Lopez V, Aromataris E. Managing cancer-related fatigue in men with prostate cancer: A systematic review of non-pharmacological interventions. International Journal of Nursing Practice, 2013;20(5):549-560.

  6. MacMillan Cancer Support. Tiredness (fatigue). Available from https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/impacts-of-cancer/tiredness. Accessed 2024/05/27.