Late effects

Am I at higher risk of cancer-related fatigue?

• Am I at higher risk of cancer-related fatigue?

  Anyone can develop chronic fatigue, even people who have never had cancer.

  The following factors can increase the risk or severity of fatigue:

  • stress

  • late effects of childhood cancer and/or its treatment

  • radiation therapy

  • other physical problems, such as pain

  • recurrence or a second type of cancer

  • aging

  You can check in your treatment summary whether you received radiation therapy. If you don’t have a summary, you can contact the LATER clinic or the hospital where you were treated.

  Chronic fatigue is not always caused by cancer or its treatment. It can also have other causes. It is often difficult to tell the difference between normal tiredness and fatigue related to cancer.

• What are the symptoms and signs of cancer-related fatigue?

  Certain symptoms and signals can indicate fatigue. Even if you don’t have these symptoms right now, it’s important to recognize them in case they appear in the future.

  The following symptoms may be signs of fatigue:

  • feeling tired without a clear cause

  • feeling low on energy or strength

  • struggling with simple tasks, such as brushing your hair or getting dressed

  • less motivation

  • difficulty concentrating or remembering things

  • poor sleep

  • loss of interest in sex

  • feeling anxious, down, or irritable

  • difficulty making decisions

  • reduced appetite or overeating

  In most cases, these symptoms are temporary and disappear after getting enough rest. But if they persist, contact your general practitioner or LATER physician.