August 20, 2024

Cancer Related Fatigue

Cancer Related Fatigue

Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND

I wanted to talk about cancer related fatigue because it’s so common in those who have cancer. It can also be difficult to work with because there can be a number of reasons why a person feels fatigue. So let’s get into this interesting topic, shall we?

Well let’s start with the beginning. What exactly do we mean when we say cancer related fatigue? It is a physical, emotional and mental fatigue in someone with cancer that does not improve with sleep or rest. This can occur during treatment and persist after treatment is concluded. When you have cancer related fatigue you may notice that your fatigue isn’t alleviated by rest. Normal activities may make you feel more tired than usual. You may feel too tired to do things you want to do. You may also feel like it’s hard to focus and you have no energy. You may also notice you feel weak, sad, cranky and frustrated. It may be hard to lift your arms and legs. You may even feel that you need more sleep than usual. (1)

Why does cancer lead to increased fatigue? Well as I said there is a number of reasons that increased fatigue can occur. Certain types of cancer can cause the release of proteins such as cytokines which can cause fatigue. Certain cancer treatments also cause fatigue. Another cause for fatigue is anemia. Hormonal changes that can occur during treatment can also trigger fatigue. Chronic pain can also lead to feelings of fatigue. Certain life style factors that can trigger an increase in fatigue include poor nutrition, lack of exercise and a decrease in the amount of sleep you are getting. Anxiety and depression can also increase fatigue. (2) It’s important to rule out certain conditions that can also mimic cancer related fatigue. For example muscle weakness can mimic fatigue. Depression can also mimic fatigue as well. (1)

What are some blood tests you can talk to your doctor about that can help to determine anything that maybe making your fatigue worse? First the doctor should check your iron levels and red blood cell counts to rule out anemia. They can also check for vitamin deficiencies such as B12, folate, or even vitamin D. Please check out my blog on Methyl-B for more information on the B vitamins. The doctor can also check for certain hormones that can trigger fatigue such as your thyroid hormones. You can also ask your doctor to check for inflammation, infections and even certain chronic diseases such as celiac disease and diabetes. (3) You can also fill out the attached questionnaire and bring it to your doctor’s visit! (2)

Questionnaire:

When did you begin experiencing fatigue?
Has it progressed since your diagnosis?
How severe is it?
How long does it last?
What eases it?
What makes it worse?
How does it affect your daily life?
Do you experience shortness of breath or chest discomfort?
How well are you sleeping?
How and what are you eating?
How are you feeling emotionally?

What can you do to help with your fatigue? The following suggestions are fine for both during and after treatment.

Make sure to address any underlying concerns that are making your fatigue worse. For example if you are deficient in iron you would want to take iron to help with the deficiency. If you are low in the B vitamins it is important to correct the deficiency. (4) Please Invite’s Iron Plus and Methyl-B for these important nutrients.
If you are experiencing pain turmeric has been found to help reduce pain levels. (5) Please see Invite’s Bio-curcumin & 5-Loxin and Turmeric with Ginger.
L Theanine and Magnesium have been found to help with sleep quality. (6) Please see both Invite’s L-Theanine and Magnesium Glycinate/ Citrate. For those who don’t like pills don’t forget Magnesium is available in powder form, Bio Avail Magnesium!
Nutrition – to help improve nutrition please check out my blog on Invite protein powders!

The following can be helpful for those who have cancer related fatigue that persists after treatment. Please note that these recommendations are for after treatment, not during.

Alcar has been found to help with both mental and physical energy. (7) Please see Invite’s Alcar with ALA!
Green tea has been found in studies to help moderate fatigue. (8) Please see both Invite’s Green Tea Tx and Hx!
Coq10 has been found to help moderate fatigue in studies! (9) Please see Invite’s Coq10 Ubiquinol 60mg and 120mg as well as our Oral Q10!