Fatigue and Anemia

The side effects of cancer treatment can vary and, sometimes, they can feel overwhelming. This section provides a discussion of fatigue, one of the most common and debilitating side effects of cancer treatment. We will also talk about chemotherapy-induced anemia, which is one cause of fatigue.

About 60-90% of patients who undergo cancer treatments experience fatigue. The range is 80-90% in chemotherapy patients. However, many do not discuss it with the healthcare team. Some think it is part of having cancer or receiving treatment. We want to make sure all patients know that the fatigue that occurs during cancer treatment can be caused by anemia, and anemia can be treated.

Are you undergoing chemotherapy?

If so, do you find that you:

• tire very easily,
• don't feel rested after a good night's sleep or
• have shortness of breath?

These can be indicators that you have chemotherapy-related anemia. You can learn more about Fatigue and Anemia due to chemotherapy in the next sections.