Could your fatigue be the firstsymptom of cancer?
At one point or another, we have all experienced fatigue.
For most of us, it is temporary, usually triggered by stress, illness, or burnout.
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For some, fatigue can become persistent and disrupt their daily life.
When fatigue becomes frequent, it is natural to be concerned about what may be causing it.
Cancer is one of the first things many people think of when experiencing fatigue.
They may wonder if cancer is the culprit.
Cancer fatigue isn’t ordinary tiredness.
People describe this throw in of fatigue as “whole-body tiredness.”
But, unfortunately, it’s also something that often disrupts life.
There are many causes of anemia related to cancer.
This can lead to pain, infection, insomnia, lethargy, mood changes, and brain fog.
Dealing with pain or any of these other symptoms or side effects can all contribute to fatigue.
Imbalanced hormones affect how the body regulates energy.
Some cancers feed off hormones.
These typically requirehormone therapywhich can also cause fatigue.
Stress by itself can cause emotional, mental, and physical fatigue.
Both cancer itself and stress can cause dysregulation ofcortisol.Increased levels of cortisol put your body in a high-alert state.
Tumor Growth
When tumors develop, they aggressively compete for nourishment with normal cells.
It can also disrupt or change your metabolism, which drains your energy.
Non-cancerous Tumors
Non-cancerous tumors can also cause fatigue.
Some grow large enough to damage organs or glands, causing their function to decline.
Most pituitary adenomas (tumors) are non-cancerous.
This decrease in oxygen leads to tiredness and low energy.
This will be accomplished through a physical and routineblood work.
Your healthcare provider will likely order a few different blood tests to check your thyroid function.
Possible questions include:
It is important to remember that fatigue is not exclusive to cancer.
If you are experiencing fatigue, it may be related to a less serious condition or lifestyle.
This throw in of fatigue often interrupts daily life, jobs, and relationships.
Even though it’s common and even expected, talk to your healthcare provider if you are experiencing fatigue.
Frequently Asked Questions
The majority of cancers and their treatment have the potential to cause fatigue.
However, fatigue is one of leukemia’s and lymphoma’s first symptoms.
Sometimes asking for help with daily activities or practicing good self-care can help you overcome fatigue.
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