This announcement comes from the American Cancer Society (ACS) on Campus student organization.
December is Cancer-Related Fatigue Awareness Month. Please take a moment to inform yourself about lung cancer with the American Cancer Society on Campus’s monthly newsletter.
December is Cancer-Related Fatigue Awareness Month
What is Cancer-Related Fatigue (CRF)? [1]
This is a kind of fatigue that is described as exhaustion. 80% to 100% of individuals who have cancer report symptoms of cancer-related fatigue. CRF can last months, days, or even years.
Individuals with cancer-related fatigue may also report symptoms of weakness, which is different from fatigue. Weakness is described as decreased strength and needing to put more effort into moving parts of the body.
What Causes Cancer-Related Fatigue? [1]
Cancer-related fatigue can be a side effect from treatment, though it is hard to pinpoint the cause. Though the cause of cancer-related fatigue is not well understood, it may be related to the change in normal protein and hormones caused by cancer and cancer treatments.
Weakness may be caused by recovering from surgery, low blood counts, low electrolyte levels, infection, or changes in hormone levels.
Treatment [2]:
Treatment for cancer-related fatigue may include correcting electrolyte imbalances, or non-specific treatment such as exercise, pharmacotherapy, or dietary supplements. Additionally, someone with CRF may benefit from education that normalizes their experience and helps set realistic goals.
Did you know? [2]
CRF is the most prevalent symptom in cancer patients
CRF is not very well understood and often goes undiagnosed
*This information is not a replacement for professional medical advice.
Please contact your physician if you have concerns