However,fatigueis one of the most common side effects.
It also worsens as treatment continues.
Fatigue does affect everyone differently.
John Fedele / Getty Images
Why Does Radiation Therapy Cause Fatigue?
The degree of fatigue generally varies depending on the amount of tissue irradiated, as well as the location.
Radiation therapy may not be the sole culprit of fatigue.
Fatigue also is a symptom of cancer itself and the mental stress associated with being a cancer patient.
Severe fatigue that does not resolve with the tips above should be reported to your healthcare provider.
There can be underlying medical reasons for fatigue, such asanemia, that may need to be addressed.
Your healthcare provider may be able to determine what is contributing to your fatigue and offer solutions.
Radiation therapy causes fatigue because the body is working so hard to repair the damage that treatment has caused.
Symptoms include exhaustion, mental fatigue, pain, nausea, short-term memory problems, and more.
Asking for help and self-care are important for coping with fatigue.
Self-care includes nutrition, rest, mild exercise, stress reduction, and hydration.
Fatigue can be a result of underlying problems such as anemia or malnutrition.
Talk with your healthcare provider if you are experiencing severe symptoms of fatigue.
A Word From Verywell
Fatigue is a frustrating symptom for those undergoing radiation therapy.
Suddenly experiencing these limitations can impact your emotional and mental well-being.
Surgery, chemotherapy, and emotional healing can all affect fatigue.
Mohandas H, Jaganathan S, Mani M, Ayyar M, Thevi G.Cancer-related fatigue treatment.
An overview.Journal of Cancer Research and Therapeutics.
2016;1(4):323-328. doi:10.1080/23809000.2016.1191948
Wang XS, Woodruff JF.Cancer-related and treatment-related fatigue.Gynecol Oncol.
2015;136(3):446-52. doi:10.1016/j.ygyno.2014.10.013
National Cancer Institute.Radiation Therapy and You.
Sleep Foundation.Why is sleep hygiene important?
Harvard Medical School Health Publishing.Fight fatigue with fluids.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.CDC health schools: Energy drinks.
Thong M, van Noorden C, Steindorf K, Arndt V.Cancer-related fatigue: Causes and current treatment options.
Curr Treat Options Oncol.
J Cancer Res Ther.
2021;17(4):998-1002. doi: 10.4103/jcrt.JCRT_151_19
National Cancer Institute.Fatigue (PDQ).
