This issue could also be due to lifestyle factors such as poor sleep, poor diet, and a lack of exercise – but it can be a sign of cancer.
A charity has warned about a “very common” cancer symptom that can manifest upon waking and persist throughout the day. Despite affecting 65 per cent of cancer patients, this symptom could be easily overlooked or misinterpreted as something less serious.
Feeling slightly weary in the morning is quite typical. Even after a good night’s sleep, you might still feel like you need a bit more rest before starting your day. It’s also not uncommon to experience some fatigue during the day, especially during the winter months when chilly temperatures and reduced sunlight can lead to feelings of lethargy.
However, persistent, debilitating tiredness could indicate something much more ominous. Cancer Research UK warns that fatigue that “doesn’t go away” even with adequate sleep or rest is a potential cancer indicator.
This type of exhaustion can be caused by both the cancer itself and its treatment, leaving patients “feeling very tired, exhausted and lacking energy”. The charity said: “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.”
If you are experiencing cancer-related fatigue, you might notice:
- Lack of energy – you may just want to stay in bed all day
- The need to rest even when you’ve done little or no activity
- Feeling you just cannot be bothered to do much
- Sleeping problems such as unable to sleep or disturbed sleep
- Finding it hard to get up in the morning
- Feeling anxious, sad or depressed
- Pain in your muscles – you may find it hard to climb stairs or walk short distances
- Feeling breathless after doing small tasks, for example, having a shower or making your bed
- Finding it hard to concentrate, even just watching TV or talking to a friend
- Finding it hard 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. 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 cautions 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
However, fatigue doesn’t automatically indicate cancer. It could be triggered by other health conditions as well as lifestyle factors, including inadequate sleep, poor nutrition, and insufficient exercise.
Additional health conditions recognised for causing fatigue include:
- Anaemia
- Under or overactive thyroid
- Diabetes
- Kidney disease
- Heart disease
- Endometriosis
- Long Covid
- Mental health issues
Particular medications such as antidepressants, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and pain medicines are also associated with fatigue. Nevertheless, if you’re experiencing unexplained fatigue that’s interfering with daily life, you should consult your GP.