Cancer-Related Fatigue (CRF)

This material describes cancer-related fatigue (CRF), including causes, diagnosis, and treatment options.

What is CRF?

CRF is a feeling of physical, emotional, or mental tiredness related to cancer and/or treatments.  Unlike other fatigue, this does not go away with rest or sleep. It may negatively affect other areas of your life, including mental and physical health, relationships, and work.

What causes CRF?

Most people receiving chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or other treatments will have fatigue at some point. Cancer-related fatigue may last months or years after treatment has ended and can have many causes.

Potential causes of CRF include:

• low levels of red blood cells (anemia)

• side effects related to nutrition such as low appetite or dehydration

• low activity or exercise

• anxiety or depression

• pain

• stress

• medications

• poor sleep

How is CRF diagnosed?

Diagnosing CRF often starts with a discussion of how your fatigue is affecting you.  Your doctor may ask when your fatigue began, when you feel most tired, how long it lasts, if it has changed over time, and what makes it better or worse. 

How is CRF treated?

The first step is to treat any medical condition causing fatigue such as pain, depression anxiety, poor sleep, poor nutrition, or anemia. If your fatigue is not from a medical condition that can be treated, there are other ways to help your fatigue.

Helpful tips in treating CRF

• Save your energy

  • Do high-energy activities when you are most refreshed

  • Ask others for help with other tasks

• Eat and drink well to keep up strength

  • Make healthy meals when you feel well and freeze them for later

  • Some people find it easier to eat 5-6 smaller meals instead of 3 large meals

  • Keep water with you during the day to take small sips throughout the day

• Be as active as you can

  • Exercise for 30 minutes every day.  Exercise is the best way to help CRF.

  • Examples: Stretching, yoga, swimming, tai chi, walking, and strength training

• Take time to rest

  • Pace activity and plan periods of rest

  • Make a bedtime routine.  Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.