Cancer fatigue: Oncologist talks about post-chemotherapy complications
To treat cancer that develops in superficial areas such as the bone or soft tissue, the patient is often offered a short exercise or rehabilitation programme to help them recover from cancer-related fatigue in the acute setting.
New Delhi: Experiencing fatigue after cancer recovery is a common issue among survivors. Cancer-related fatigue can either be acute or chronic, and tends to linger long after treatment ends. Although fatigue is generally described as tiredness, it is completely different from everyday exhaustion. The cancer treatment process may involve individual treatment options such as chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy, or a combination of all three. This can be incredibly tough on the body, often leading to a complex situation that affects physical health, mental sharpness, and emotional balance.
Dr. Srimanth B.S., Lead Consultant – Orthopaedic Oncology at Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bengaluru, told TV9 English that this fatigue is common and does not equate to treatment failure. Since the body has adapted to the presence of cancer, it is difficult for it to return to its regular fitness level. Various measures are taken to support recovery during both the acute and chronic phases of cancer-related fatigue. The expert went on to talk about cancer-related fatigue and how patients can bounce back healthily.
Recovery from acute cancer-related fatigue
Individuals seeking recovery from acute cancer-related fatigue are recommended therapy programs or groups that urge them to participate in simple mindfulness exercises like yoga, stretching, warm-up exercises, or walking. Exercise prescriptions are often customized and lay emphasis on fostering a strong mind-body connection. These not only enhance sleep quality but also improve gastrointestinal function and overall cognitive performance in patients.
Recovery from chronic cancer-related fatigue
In the chronic or intermittent phase of cancer-related fatigue, patients may undergo chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgeries involving organs that do not bear a significant physical load. In such cases, individuals are encouraged to gradually return to normal activities—such as walking, jogging, yoga or light weightlifting—to help them get back to their regular self. However, this may vary among individuals depending on the stage of cancer and the type of treatment they have received.
Although there are examples of people who have conquered cancer and gone on to participate in marathons, ultramarathons, cycling, and trekking, this is usually seen in chronic stages, when individuals have worked on rebuilding their strength through progressive activities or exercises. This highlights the importance of understanding one’s body and not pushing it to the extent that it compromises the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
Varying outcomes by cancer type
To treat cancer that develops in superficial areas such as the bone or soft tissue, the patient is often offered a short exercise or rehabilitation programme to help them recover from cancer-related fatigue in the acute setting. In the chronic setting, the nature of reconstruction surgery can sometimes limit patients from participating in high-intensity sports like basketball, which is why they are often guided through a calibrated, gradual rehabilitation program. To prevent cancer-related fatigue from becoming chronic, the physiotherapist stimulates muscles that have become weak during treatment.
Lastly, to ensure safety, all processes must be regularly monitored and assessed. Basic red flags—such as shortness of breath, pain, or fatigue—that do not improve with rest require immediate attention by a healthcare professional. On the whole, it is important for realistic expectations to be set to provide a meaningful quality of life to individuals.