Fatigue/Anemia

Fatigue

Fatigue is one of the most common side effects of cancer and cancer treatment. Fatigue is a general tiredness or an overwhelming lack of energy. It may be associated with an increased need for rest, an inability to regain energy with rest, difficulty concentrating or a disinterest in events.

Compared with symptoms such as nausea or pain, fatigue can be very difficult to identify and discuss. Sensations such as weakness, dizziness, difficulty thinking and tiredness may be part of the feeling. People sometimes think they are just being lazy or depressed. They may tell themselves, "I can snap out of this if I really try." Sudden changes in feelings of fatigue may mean there is a serious problem. Slower, gradual development of fatigue may lead to a decreased ability to perform everyday activities.

There are no medical tests to measure fatigue; however, fatigue can be treated in many circumstances. Patients experiencing fatigue should report this feeling to their nurse or physician in order to determine whether a treatable cause of fatigue exists and to develop a strategy to reduce the amount of fatigue.

Anemia

A common cause of fatigue is anemia, a condition in which there are fewer red blood cells than normal. The function of red blood cells is to transport oxygen to the tissues of the body. Without an adequate number of red blood cells, the body’s need for oxygen cannot be effectively met. Common symptoms of anemia include severe fatigue, shortness of breath, diminished activity level, reduced overall feeling of well-being and possible mental dysfunction.

Anemia may also exacerbate existing medical conditions. For example, the heart has to work harder in an anemic patient, which may aggravate a heart condition. Severe anemia may cause a treatment delay or dose reduction. It can reduce the effectiveness of some chemotherapy agents and radiation, thus jeopardizing the possibility of the best long-term treatment results..

Fortunately, medications are available to improve anemia and its symptoms. More than 60% of patients treated with chemotherapy develop anemia. This is because chemotherapeutic agents kill rapidly dividing cells in the body, including cancer cells and red blood cells. Early detection and prompt treatment of anemia is the best strategy for preventing severe anemia or lessoning its effects. Patients should always notify their doctor or nurse if they are feeling abnormally fatigued.

Diet may also play a role in reducing the severity or duration of anemia in some patients. Iron, folic acid, amino acids, and vitamins B6, B12 and C are all important components of the development and maturation of red blood cells. Leafy green vegetables, eggs, fruit, legumes, grains and meats should be included in the diet of a person who is diagnosed with breast cancer, or one who has already developed anemia. Patients should ask their physicians if supplementation is necessary to manage the anemia.

Information about anemia was excerpted from the Winter 2004 issue of Lifeline.

November 2007

Useful links

Managing Side Effects: Fatigue
www.cancerpage.com/centers
/sideeffects/fatigue.asp

Ways to Manage Your Cancer Symptoms: Fatigue
www.cancersymptoms.org/
symptoms/fatigue/

What You Need to Know about Anemia and Fatigue
www.cancer.com/effects/
anemia.html