People are being alerted to a "very common" cancer symptom that can appear upon waking and persist throughout the day. Despite affecting around 65 percent of cancer patients, this symptom could be easily overlooked or mistaken for something else, making it particularly perilous.
It's normal to feel a bit tired in the morning, even if you've had a good night's sleep. Feeling sluggish during the day, especially during the winter months when cold temperatures and less sunlight can make you feel lethargic, is also not unusual.
However, constant, debilitating fatigue could be a sign of something much more serious. According to Cancer Research UK, fatigue that "doesn't go away" even with sleep or rest is a red flag for cancer.
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This fatigue can be caused by both the cancer itself and its treatment, leaving patients "feeling very tired, exhausted and lacking energy". The charity explains: "Cancer related fatigue can affect you physically, emotionally, and mentally. How long it lasts, how severe it is, and how often you might have it is different from person to person."
If you have cancer-related fatigue, you might experience:
Lack of energy – you may just want to stay in bed all day The need to rest even when you’ve done little or no activity Feeling you just cannot be bothered to do much Sleeping problems such as unable to sleep or disturbed sleep Finding it hard to get up in the morning Feeling anxious, sad or depressed Pain in your muscles – you may find it hard to climb stairs or walk short distances Feeling breathless after doing small tasks, for example, having a shower or making your bed Finding it hard to concentrate, even just watching TV or talking to a friend Finding it hard to think clearly or make decisions easily Loss of interest in sex Loss of interest in doing things you usually enjoy Negative feelings about yourself and others.According to Cancer Research UK: "Fatigue can be very frustrating. You and your relatives might underestimate how much it can affect daily life.", reports Surrey Live.
The charity has issued a warning that everyday tasks such as cooking, cleaning, bathing, or popping to the shops could suddenly become daunting. You might find even having a conversation too tiring.
Activities that used to be simple may now seem like a mountain to climb, and this symptom can be so severe that some individuals have had to quit their jobs. The charity noted: "Some people feel like fatigue is a constant reminder of their cancer and this can be hard to accept. You might worry that because you feel so tired all the time your cancer could be getting worse. But it is more likely to be a side effect of treatment, or due to the fact that cancer can cause fatigue."
When is it time to speak to a doctor?
Fatigue indeed doesn't always point to cancer – it's a symptom with a multitude of possible causes. It can stem from lifestyle factors including poor sleep quality, suboptimal diet, and insufficient physical activity.
A range of health conditions can also lead to extreme tiredness, such as anaemia, thyroid disorders, diabetes, kidney and heart diseases, endometriosis, long coronavirus, and mental health problems. Some medications are culprits too, with antidepressants, chemotherapies, radiation treatments, and pain relief drugs all potentially instigating fatigue.
Nonetheless, if you're struggling with unaccountable fatigue making everyday life a struggle, you should talk to your GP.
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