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Question: How does fatigue affect a person?

Answer: Fatigue is a real symptom. It can lead to a decrease in quality of life. Factors such as treatment, low red blood cell count (anemia), stress, problem sleeping, and poor nutrition can all add to fatigue. Still, since no one else can see your fatigue, it's common to question yourself about it. Don't. Fatigue is often a real part of cancer and its treatment.

Fatigue affects each person differently. Plus, there are many degrees of fatigue. Some people may find that they are unable to do simple things that they used to do, such as climbing stairs without stopping or holding onto the handrail. Others may have trouble standing up in the shower, and get too tired, so a shower chair is helpful. Changes in mental processes can happen, causing “fuzzy thinking.” It may be hard to concentrate or focus on things, such as reading or watching television. Visiting with family, cooking, or other activities that you used to enjoy before starting cancer treatment may now be too exhausting. But there are tips to help conserve your energy for the activities that are important to you.

(Source: University of Rochester Medical Center, 03 Aug 2025)

Source Link: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content?contenttypeid=35&contentid=FAQGeneralCancer