Health
Fatigue is cancer's biggest side effect
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted July 9, 2007
Fatigue is the most common side effect reported by people undergoing cancer treatment, affecting up to 90% of patients, according to the American Cancer Society.
For most people, the fatigue will end soon after the chemo or radiation treatment is over, but this is not true for everyone. A recent University of California at Los Angeles study of breast cancer survivors found that 30% reported fatigue five to 10 years after treatment.
Regular exercise has been found to be the best way to fight fatigue, according to the cancer society. Many experts recommend working with a physical therapist or other exercise specialist to develop an individualized program.
Underlying conditions such as depression, anemia and infection may contribute to the fatigue.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2007/07/09/hlbf0709.htm.