Fatigue

This section covers cancer-related fatigue, a common side effect of cancer and cancer treatments. Learn what fatigue is, its causes and how it can be managed.

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What is fatigue?

Find answers to questions such as what is cancer-related fatigue, what are the causes, and how long does fatigue last?

Managing fatigue

Learns way to manage fatigue during and after treatment.

Questions for your doctorThis checklist may be helpful when thinking about questions to ask your doctor.

What is causing the fatigue?
Do I need a blood test to find out what is contributing to the fatigue?
What can I do to reduce or manage the fatigue?
Is there anything that I should avoid doing?
What can help me to sleep better?
How long is the fatigue likely to last?
Can a social worker talk to me about help at home?
What exercise or activity do you recommend?
Can you refer me to an occupational therapist, physiotherapist or exercise physiologist who works with people with cancer-related fatigue?
Are there fatigue clinics or local group programs that I can attend?
Are there any complementary therapies that might help me?

Podcast: Managing Cancer Fatigue

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This information was last updated in June 2023. See who reviewed this content.

Prof Michael Jefford, Medical Oncologist and Director, Australian Cancer Survivorship Centre, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Kirsten Adlard, Exercise Physiologist, The University of Queensland, QLD; Anthea Carey, Consumer; Andrea Concannon, Consumer; Dr Briana Clifford, Exercise Physiologist, UNSW Fatigue Clinic and Research Program, NSW; Hazel Everett, Clinical Nurse Consultant – Cancer Services, St John of God Subiaco Hospital, WA; Dr Suzanne Grant, Senior Research Fellow, NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, and Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, NSW; Pippa Labuc, Senior Occupational Therapist, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Prof Andrew Lloyd, Director, UNSW Fatigue Clinic and Research Program, NSW; Catherine Meredith, Consumer; Dr David Mizrahi, Exercise Physiologist and Research Fellow, The Daffodil Centre at Cancer Council NSW and The University of Sydney; Dr Elizabeth Pearson, Allied Health Researcher, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Dr Astrid Przezdziecki, Clinical Psychologist, Mind My Health, NSW; Chris Sibthorpe, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council Queensland; Kate Woodhead, Physiotherapist, St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, VIC.

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