A “very common” cancer symptom may appear upon waking up and continue throughout the day, a charity has warned. Although this symptom impacts 65% of cancer sufferers, it could be readily dismissed or mistaken for something less concerning.
Experiencing mild drowsiness in the morning is fairly normal. Even following a restful night’s sleep, you may still feel as though you require additional rest before beginning your day.
It’s equally common to encounter some weariness during daytime hours, particularly throughout the winter period when cold conditions and diminished daylight can result in feelings of sluggishness.
Nevertheless, ongoing, overwhelming exhaustion might suggest something far more sinister. Cancer Research UK cautions that tiredness which “doesn’t go away” despite sufficient sleep or rest represents a possible cancer warning sign.
This form of fatigue may stem from both the disease itself and its treatment, causing patients to feel “feeling very tired, exhausted and lacking energy”. The charity stated: “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.”
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.
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Cancer Research UK explains: “Fatigue can be very frustrating. You and your relatives might underestimate how much it can affect daily life.
“Everyday life can be difficult and you might not have the energy to cook, clean, bathe or go shopping. You might not even feel up to a chat. Things that you used to find easy to do can feel like hard work.”
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.