By Fiona Callingham
Copyright glasgowlive
A “very common” symptom that occurs when you wake up and persists throughout the day could signal cancer, experts have warned. Despite affecting 65 per cent of cancer patients, this symptom could easily be overlooked or mistaken for something less serious.
Feeling slightly tired in the morning is perfectly normal. Even after a good night’s sleep, you might still feel like you need more rest before starting your day.
It’s also quite usual to feel a bit weary during the day, especially in the winter months when harsh weather and reduced sunlight can leave you feeling drained. However, constant, overwhelming fatigue could be a sign of something much more serious.
Cancer Research UK warns that fatigue which “doesn’t go away”, even with adequate sleep or rest, could be a potential sign of cancer. This type of exhaustion can result from both the disease itself and its treatment, leaving patients “feeling very tired, exhausted and lacking energy”.
The charity stated: “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 may notice:
A lack of energy – you may just want to stay in bed all day The need to rest even when you’ve done little or no activity Feeling a lack of motivation to do anything Struggling with sleep issues such as insomnia or disturbed sleep Finding it challenging to get out of bed in the morning Experiencing feelings of anxiety, sadness or depression Muscle pain that makes climbing stairs or short walks difficult Feeling breathless after completing minor tasks, like showering or making your bed Struggling to concentrate, even on simple activities like watching television or conversing with a friend Difficulty thinking clearly or making decisions A decreased interest in sexual activity Losing interest in activities you usually enjoy Harbouring negative feelings about yourself and others
This particular symptom can make everyday life extraordinarily 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.”
When to seek help
However, feeling constantly worn out doesn’t necessarily mean you have cancer. It could be a symptom of other health conditions or lifestyle factors such as poor sleep, inadequate nutrition, and lack of physical activity.
Other health issues known to cause fatigue include:
Anaemia Underactive or overactive thyroid Diabetes Kidney disease Heart disease Endometriosis Long Covid Mental health problems
Certain medications including antidepressants, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and painkillers can also lead to feelings of exhaustion. Nonetheless, if you’re experiencing unexplained tiredness that’s affecting your daily life, it’s important to seek advice from your GP.