It is common to feel very tired and lack energy during and after cancer treatment. Your tiredness may continue for a while after treatment has finished. Some people find it takes them a few years to feel well again.
Tips for managing fatigue
- Plan your day. Set small manageable goals and rest before you get too tired.
- Keep your schedule as regular as possible, e.g. avoid sleeping in, go to bed at your usual time and take a short nap if you get tired throughout the day.
- Ask for and accept offers of help from family and friends, e.g. with shopping, errands and childcare.
- Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet to keep energy levels up.
- Regular light to moderate exercise has been shown to reduce fatigue. Even a walk around the block can help. Talk to your doctor about the amount and type of exercise suitable for you. A physiotherapist or exercise physiologist can develop a program that is right for you.
- Don’t expect to be able to instantly do everything you used to do right away. Gradually increase the amount of activity you do each day.
Listen to our podcast on Managing Cancer Fatigue
Key resource
Download a PDF booklet on this topic.
More resources
A/Prof Alison Brand, Director, Gynaecological Oncology, Westmead Hospital, NSW; Ellen Barlow, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Royal Hospital for Women, NSW; Jane Conroy-Wright, Consumer; Rebecca James, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council SA; Suparna Karpe, Clinical Psychologist, Gynaecological Oncology, Westmead Hospital, NSW; Dr Pearly Khaw, Consultant Radiation Oncologist, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Sally McCoull, Consumer; A/Prof Orla McNally, Gynaecological Oncologist and Director, Oncology/Dysplasia, The Royal Women’s Hospital, and Director, Gynaecology Tumour Stream,Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre, VIC; Haley McNamara, Social Worker and Project Manager, Care at End of Life Project, Queensland Health, QLD; Tamara Wraith, Senior Clinician – Physiotherapy, The Royal Women’s Hospital, VIC.
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