Amar Rewari, Chief of Radiation Oncology at Luminis Health, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“Why Does Radiation Make You So Tired? Strategies to Manage Cancer-Related Fatigue
Radiation-induced fatigue is often one of the most challenging and misunderstood side effects of cancer treatment, affecting up to 80% of patients. This isn’t just typical exhaustion; it’s a profound, persistent fatigue that the body experiences as it fights the disease and repairs healthy tissue damaged by therapy.
In this recent article, I discussed the major factors contributing to this exhaustion and, more importantly, effective strategies for managing it.
The Source of Exhaustion: Fatigue is linked to the body’s inflammatory response to the treatment, the location of the radiation, and the amount of tissue involved.
As I explained, the treatment area is a major factor:
‘Whole-body or large-area treatments, such as those for the pelvis or spine, tend to cause more fatigue than small, focused treatments like for an early-stage breast or skin cancer.’
Actionable Management Strategies: While it’s challenging, several evidence-based steps can help patients regain energy and improve their quality of life during and after treatment. Three crucial areas are:
Movement: Gentle exercise can actually fight fatigue, not worsen it.
‘Walking or yoga can be good options during cancer treatment, but it’s important to listen to your body and not push too hard. The key is finding the right balance [to] stay active without overexerting yourself.’
Sleep Quality: Consistent rest is foundational to recovery.
‘It’s important to aim for consistent sleep as part of an effective fatigue management strategy. This means maintaining regular bedtimes and wake times, even on weekends.’
Know the Warning Signs: Sometimes, fatigue is a symptom of another treatable issue. Always talk to your oncology team if fatigue worsens significantly.
‘Sometimes the cause is not just the radiation but anemia, dehydration, thyroid changes, or depression, all of which are treatable.’
If you or a loved one is going through radiation therapy, understand that this fatigue is real, but it is also manageable. Most cases resolve within a few weeks after treatment is complete.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve received for managing treatment fatigue?
You can read the full article on Patient Power”
More posts featuring Amar Rewari.