Cancer-related fatigue (tiredness)

Macmillan says "fatigue is a feeling of tiredness or exhaustion. Cancer and cancer treatments can cause fatigue" and that "for most people, fatigue gets better after treatment finishes. But for some it may continue for months or sometimes years". Causes it lists include the cancer itself, treatment, anaemia, eating problems and weight loss, pain, poor sleep and low mood. It advises that "physical activity, such as walking quickly, is one of the best ways to help reduce symptoms of fatigue", to "try to keep to a normal sleep routine", that "eating well and keeping to a healthy weight can help you maintain or regain your strength", and to plan the day "so that you have energy to do the things that are most important to you"; "it is important to tell a member of your healthcare team if you have fatigue at any time".

Cancer Research UK's bile duct cancer symptom page adds: "let your doctor or nurse know if you're very tired as they might be able to prescribe medicine to help", since treatable causes such as anaemia, low thyroid, infection or poor sleep are common. The site's records of exercise during chemotherapy and cognitive behavioural therapy for fatigue carry the trial evidence behind these tips. This is orientation from public patient pages, not advice for your case: your own team's instructions and 24-hour number come first.