Cancer related fatigue is a common, debilitating problem for many cancer sufferers. It can continue to impact on a person’s life for months or years after treatment has finished.

Cancer related fatigue is thought to be related to aspects of the illness itself, but cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy may also contribute to the symptoms.

Symptoms

• Overwhelming tiredness, not proportional to recent activity
• Usually unable to be relieved with rest

Impact

Cancer related fatigue can have a detrimental effect on:

• Quality of life and ability to work
• Physical and emotional wellbeing and day-to-day function and endurance
• Ability to maintain normal lifestyle

The Occupational Therapist facilitates a weekly Fatigue Self-Management Group. Topics covered include:

• Understanding Fatigue
• Energy Conservation
• Improving Sleep
• Introduction to Mindfulness and Relaxation

The group provides an opportunity to share experiences with others and to develop a ‘tool box’ of physical and cognitive strategies to help manage fatigue within daily routines.

In the past it was thought rest was the best way to manage cancer related fatigue. However, research has shown regularly attending a supervised, structured exercise program tailored to the needs of patients with cancer can have many beneficial effects including:

• Reduced fatigue levels
• Improved physical performance
• Improved endurance
• Improved mood
• Reduced anxiety and fear
• Early return to work / recreation

The greatest improvements from exercise are seen when the programs are hospital based, supervised by Allied Health professionals and involve a variety of exercises.