Cancer Fatigue in Australia: Causes, Symptoms & Holistic Strategies for Relief
What is Cancer-Related Fatigue?
Cancer-related fatigue is a persistent and overwhelming exhaustion that is not proportional to recent activity and doesn’t improve with rest. Unlike everyday tiredness, it can last throughout treatment and even for months or years afterwards.
Who is Affected & Why?
Nearly everyone undergoing cancer treatment experiences fatigue, and for some, it persists long after treatment ends. Risk factors include:
The cancer itself and treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy.
Side effects such as anaemia, pain, nausea, hormonal shifts, or medication effects.
Low mood, anxiety, sleep issues, poor nutrition, low physical activity or other illnesses.
Recognising the Symptoms of Cancer Fatigue
Symptoms vary but often include:
Little to no energy
Physical weakness, muscle aches
Trouble concentrating or "fuzzy thinking"
Sleep disturbances (too little or too much)
Feeling emotionally fatigued, irritable, or disengaged
This fatigue can significantly affect daily life, work, relationships, self-care, and social activities.
How Long Does Cancer Fatigue Last?
While energy often improves within 6-12 months after treatment ends, some people continue to experience fatigue longer, sometimes well beyond a year
Managing Cancer Fatigue: Evidence-Based Tips
Tracking & Communicating Your Fatigue
Use a fatigue scale (0–10) to track daily energy levels, note what helps and what worsens symptoms. Share this with your GP, oncologist, or allied health professionals, even an occupational therapist, physiotherapist or exercise physiologist can help.
Clinical Assessment & Allied Health Support
Your healthcare provider can investigate treatable causes such as anaemia, sleep disorders, pain, or thyroid issues. Referral to specialists or multidisciplinary clinics may help tailor your management plan.
Gentle Movement: Exercise Guidance
With professional guidance, starting with light aerobic activities, like walking or swimming and progressing to strength training can significantly reduce fatigue. Aim for around 150 minutes of moderate activity per week, plus strength work twice weekly, as tolerated.
Sleep, Rest & Pacing Strategies
Pace your day; schedule rest and work when you're most energetic.
Keep naps short and maintain sleep routine, consistent bedtime, avoid screens, get daylight exposure.
Nutrition, Hydration & Practical Support
Maintain regular, balanced meals even if small and sip water regularly. Accept practical help from loved ones meal prep, errands, chores can save energy and reduce stress.
Stress Relief & Mindfulness-Based Techniques
Incorporate meditation, yoga, tai chi, or qigong to support mood, emotional resilience, and restful sleep. Professional therapies like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) can help manage the mental and emotional burden of fatigue
How Skin Wellness Clinic in Perth Supports Cancer Fatigue
At Skin Wellness Clinic, we recognise that cancer fatigue impacts more than just energy levels, it affects skin health, emotional wellbeing, and overall confidence. Our approach is holistic, compassionate, and tailored to support individuals through every stage of treatment and recovery.
Specialised Treatments
For those affected by cancer, our Head and Scalp Spa therapies are designed to provide deep relaxation and gentle care to the hair and scalp. These treatments help calm the nervous system, ease emotional stress and headaches, promote a better sleep, and create new hair growth stimulation. They also address common treatment side effects such as dry, irritated or sensitive skin, as well as hair loss.
Oncology-Safe Skincare
We are proud to use and recommend Circadia’s oncology-approved skincare range, supporting the skin of for those undergoing or recovering from cancer treatment. Sarah has completed the Circadia Oncology Skin Specialist Program, ensuring our facials and home-care prescriptions are safe, soothing and effective for sensitive, compromised skin. These treatments restore hydration, protect the skin barrier, and enhance comfort while supporting skin healing.
At Skin Wellness Clinic, our goal is to create a safe, supportive environment where you can feel rejuvenated, comforted, and cared for, inside and out.
Learn more about our Head and Scalp Spa therapies here.
At Skin Wellness Clinic, we know that living with cancer fatigue can feel overwhelming and isolating. You don’t have to face it alone. We are here with compassion, gentle treatments, and holistic support to help nurture both your body and mind.
If you feel ready, we welcome you to reach out and explore how our care can bring comfort, restore balance, and help you reconnect with your sense of self.