By Fiona Callingham

Copyright dailyrecord

A charity has issued a stark warning about a “very common” cancer symptom that can be present upon waking and persist throughout the day. Despite affecting 65 per cent of those with cancer, this symptom could easily be overlooked or mistaken for something less serious. Feeling slightly tired in the morning is quite normal. Even after a good night’s sleep, you might still feel like you need a bit more rest before starting your day. It’s also not unusual to feel a bit weary during the day, especially during the winter months when the cold weather and lack of daylight can make you feel tired. However, persistent, overwhelming fatigue could indicate something much more serious . Cancer Research UK warns that tiredness which “doesn’t go away” , even with enough sleep or rest, could be a potential sign of cancer. This type of fatigue can come from both the disease itself and its treatment, leaving patients “feeling very tired, exhausted and lacking energy”. The charity said: “Cancer related fatigue can affect you physically, emotionally, and mentally. How long it lasts, how severe it is, and how often you might have it is different from person to person.” If you’re experiencing cancer-related fatigue, you might notice: This particular symptom can make everyday life incredibly challenging. Cancer Research UK explains: “Fatigue can be very frustrating. You and your relatives might underestimate how much it can affect daily life. “Everyday life can be difficult and you might not have the energy to cook, clean, bathe or go shopping. You might not even feel up to a chat. Things that you used to find easy to do can feel like hard work.” The charity warns that this symptom may force you to stop working altogether. Cancer Research UK adds: “Some people feel like fatigue is a constant reminder of their cancer and this can be hard to accept. “You might worry that because you feel so tired all the time your cancer could be getting worse. But it is more likely to be a side effect of treatment, or due to the fact that cancer can cause fatigue.” However, exhaustion doesn’t always indicate cancer. It might stem from other medical ailments as well as lifestyle factors, including poor sleep, insufficient nutrition, and lack of exercise. Additional health conditions recognised to cause fatigue include: Particular medications including antidepressants, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and pain medicines are also associated with fatigue. Nevertheless, if you’re experiencing unexplained exhaustion that’s interfering with your daily activities, you should consult your GP.