Share this @internewscast.com
A widely observed symptom of cancer might emerge in the morning and persist throughout the day, a charitable organization has highlighted. This particular symptom affects 65% of individuals with cancer, yet it might often be overlooked or confused with a less serious issue.
Feeling a bit sleepy upon waking is generally considered normal. Even after a solid night’s rest, you might feel like you still need more sleep before starting your daily routine.
It is also typical to feel tired during the daytime, especially in the winter months when the cold weather and shorter days can make you feel sluggish.
However, if you experience continuous and overwhelming fatigue, it might indicate a more serious problem. Cancer Research UK warns that feeling tired that doesn’t resolve even after adequate sleep or rest could be a warning sign of cancer.
This type of tiredness can be caused both by the cancer itself and by its treatments, leading patients to feel “very tired, exhausted, and lacking energy.” The charity explained: “Cancer-related fatigue can impact your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Its duration, intensity, and frequency can vary significantly from one person to another.”
Should you be experiencing cancer-related fatigue, you might observe:
- Lack of energy – you may simply want to remain in bed all day
- The need to rest even when you’ve accomplished little or no activity
- Feeling you simply cannot be bothered to do much
- Sleeping difficulties such as being unable to sleep or experiencing disturbed sleep
- Finding it difficult to get up in the morning
- Feeling anxious, sad or depressed
- Pain in your muscles – you may find it difficult to climb stairs or walk short distances
- Feeling breathless after completing small tasks, for example, having a shower or making your bed
- Finding it difficult to concentrate, even just watching TV or talking to a friend
- Finding it difficult 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
This particular symptom can make everyday life incredibly challenging.
Find out about the symptoms you need to watch out for and get health advice with our free health newsletter from the Daily Express
Cancer Research UK explains: “Fatigue can be very frustrating. You and your relatives might underestimate how much it can affect daily life.
“Daily activities can become challenging, and you might lack the energy to cook, clean, bathe, or shop. You might not even feel up to having a conversation. Tasks that were once simple may seem arduous.”
The charity warns that this symptom may force you to stop working altogether. Cancer Research UK adds: “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 to see a doctor
Nevertheless, fatigue doesn’t necessarily signal cancer. It could be caused by other medical conditions alongside lifestyle elements, such as poor sleep, inadequate nutrition, and lack of physical activity.
Other health conditions known to trigger fatigue include:
- Anaemia
- Under or overactive thyroid
- Diabetes
- Kidney disease
- Heart disease
- Endometriosis
- Long Covid
- Mental health issues
- Certain medications including antidepressants, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and pain medicines are also linked with fatigue.
However, if you’re suffering from unexplained fatigue that’s disrupting your daily routine, you should seek advice from your GP.
