Coping with a cancer diagnosis — either your own or that of a loved one — can seem overwhelming.  There are many different ways to treat cancer that your healthcare provider will discuss with you. One of them may be chemotherapy (chemo), or a combination of chemotherapy and another treatment. Chemotherapy can cause side effects such as fatigue, nausea and vomiting, hair loss, bleeding, bowel changes, depression, pain and infections.

A survey of Canadian cancer patients asked about the side effects of cancer and cancer treatment. Seventy-eight percent said they experienced fatigue – making it the most commonly mentioned side effect. Another survey found that seventy-six percent of patients undergoing chemotherapy experienced fatigue at least monthly. Learning more about fatigue and what causes it can help you navigate the journey ahead.

Although many cancer patients report experiencing fatigue, few realize it can be treated. Our goal is to help you and your loved ones understand how fatigue can be caused by chemotherapy related anemia and how it can be effectively treated.

If you develop anemia during chemotherapy, it is important to receive the right treatment. Treating anemia can make important differences in how you feel, the quality of your life, and even the progress of your cancer treatment.

Empower the Patient will walk you through fatigue: what it is and how it can affect your quality of life; will give you tips and tools on how you can feel better; and will help you partner with your healthcare team to ensure the best outcome for you. If this is your first visit to the site, click here to read How to Use this Site for a brief description of each section.