person looking fatigued

There may be short and long term physical side effects as a result of your treatment. Every patient has different side effects. Talk to your doctor or nurse about what side effects you can expect. Make sure your cancer care team is aware of how you are feeling so that you can get the care that you need.

Some common side effects include:

  • Fatigue (feeling of tiredness that lasts a long time and that does not go away with sleep)
  • Aches and pains
  • Nausea (feeling like you might throw up)
  • Vomiting (throwing up)
  • Hair loss

If you notice any new or different symptoms, tell your oncologist as soon as possible. Attend all of your scheduled check-ups. This is to make sure that your oncologist is aware of any changes that may be related to your cancer.

Cancer-Related Fatigue

Cancer-related fatigue is the most common symptom felt by people with cancer. Since most people with cancer feel fatigue, read below for tips to manage fatigue.

What is cancer-related fatigue?

Cancer-related fatigue is a feeling of being tired that can last a long time and does not go away with rest or sleep. Most of the time, fatigue is worse during treatment. For some patients, it can last for months or even years after treatment is over.

Fatigue can make you feel:

  • Very tired, weak, heavy or slow
  • Like you cannot think or remember things
  • Worn out
  • Like you do not have the energy to see people or do things you love

What causes cancer-related fatigue?

Cancer-related fatigue may be caused by:

  • Cancer itself
  • Cancer treatments
  • Anemia (low number of red blood cells in your body)
  • Nausea (feeling like you might throw up) and vomiting (throwing up)
  • Pain, depression or anxiety
  • Not enough physical activity and exercise
  • Not getting the right nutrients
  • Other medical problems
  • Fatigue before treatment
  • Medicines
  • Emotional distress
  • Sleep problems

How can I manage cancer-related fatigue?

  • Be active. Exercise is the best way to make your fatigue better. Try to get 30 minutes of moderate (not too easy or too hard) exercise on most days. Talk to your cancer care team about how to exercise safely.
  • Improve your sleep. Talk to your cancer care team about problems that may disturb your sleep, like depression, anxiety and stress.
  • Manage stress and emotions. You can help manage your fatigue by talking to someone about your feelings or doing activities to relieve stress and anxiety.
  • Pace yourself. Use your energy wisely to do the things that are most important to you.
  • Eat well. Eat healthy foods and lots of variety to have more energy. To stay hydrated, drink at least 6 glasses of water or other liquids every day (unless the doctor told you to drink more or less).

When should I talk to my cancer care team?

Tell your cancer care team how you are feeling at every appointment. They want to know about your fatigue. Do not be afraid to ask about your questions and concerns.

Tell your cancer care team right away if you have any of these symptoms:

  • Feeling dizzy, loss of appetite or falls
  • Fatigue that is suddenly much worse
  • Sudden shortness of breath or a fast heart beat
  • Bleeding that cannot be explained or bleeding that does not stop
  • Anxiety, depression or feelings of not coping well

For more information, visit the Princess Margaret Patient & Family Library to get pamphlets relating to cancer-related fatigue. Read how cancer survivors have dealt with the effects of cancer and fatigue in the Tips from Patients section.

Find Information on Managing Physical Side Effects

Each person’s cancer journey is different, and each person will have different side effects. Use the resources below to find information on the side effects of:

  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiation
  • Surgery
  • Many other therapies

Resources

  • Princess Margaret Cancer Answers - Princess Margaret Cancer Answers is an online special search engine designed for people with cancer. It can help you find trusted health information from Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and other organizations around the world. Find pamphlets, websites, videos and more by typing in keywords such as "chemotherapy side effects".
  • Princess Margaret Patient & Family Library - The Patient & Family Library has a large collection of print and digital materials about cancer. These materials are available for you, and your family to borrow free of charge.
    Phone: 416 946 4501 ext. 5383
    Email: patienteducation@uhn.ca
  • Cancer Education Class Calendar - Find classes, events, and activities for patients and family in the Cancer Education Class Calendar. See the calendar for times and dates of the sessions. Pick up a monthly calendar in your clinic, in the Patient & Family Library, or on the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre website. You can also take many cancer classes online at PMCancerClasses.ca.

See the Resources & Support section for a full list of resources available at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.​

https://www.uhn.ca/PrincessMargaret/Education/Continuing_Education_Programs/Pages/continuing_education_programs.aspx
Last reviewed: 6/17/2025
Last modified: 6/18/2025 9:16 AM
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