Is Fatigue a Symptom of Blood Cancer?

 At one point or another, we have all experienced fatigue. For most of us, it is temporary, usually caused by stress, illness, or burnout. For some, fatigue can become persistent and disrupt their daily life. 

When fatigue becomes frequent, it is natural to be concerned about what may be causing it. Cancer is one of the first things many people think of when they experience fatigue. They may wonder if cancer is the culprit.

Fatigue can be an early symptom in some blood cancers. Also, it is a frequent side effect of blood cancer treatment. 

That said, various other conditions can also cause fatigue. Therefore, it's important to have symptoms such as fatigue evaluated by a healthcare professional to understand the cause and receive appropriate treatment.

Cancer fatigue isn't ordinary tiredness. It's not usually the kind of sleepiness you can push through by getting a good night's sleep or with a cup of coffee. People describe this type of fatigue as "whole-body tiredness." This kind of fatigue affects one’s ability to participate in day-to-day activities and has a negative impact on their quality of life.

What Causes Blood Cancer Fatigue?

Fatigue from blood cancer can result from cancerous cells consuming much of the body's energy supplies. These cells can grow rapidly, draining energy from the body's normal functions.

Fatigue can also be linked to weight loss and lack of appetite, which are additional general symptoms that can be caused by blood cancer and other conditions. When the body doesn't receive the proper nutrition it needs, it can lead to fatigue.

Research suggests that as many as 40% of people with cancer report fatigue at diagnosis. Fatigue is also a common side effect from treatments for blood cancer, like chemotherapy, with up to 80% of people treated with chemotherapy reporting feeling fatigued. 

Fatigue can also be connected with depression and increased stress levels, which may be experienced by people undergoing treatment for blood cancer.

Other Symptoms of Blood Cancer

Blood cancers can cause several general symptoms. Because these general symptoms can be caused by blood cancer or many other conditions, it's important to have these or other symptoms evaluated by a healthcare professional to get a proper diagnosis. Other common blood cancer symptoms commonly experienced along with fatigue include:

● Unexplained weight loss

● Night sweats

● Enlarged lymph nodes

● Feeling of fullness in the abdomen

● Aches in the arms, legs, or joints