What Causes Fatigue With Colorectal Cancer?
The exact reason for colorectal cancer-related fatigue is unknown. It may be related to the disease itself or its treatments. The following colorectal cancer treatments are commonly associated with fatigue: • Chemotherapy . Any chemotherapy drug or regimen may cause fatigue. Fatigue usually develops after several weeks of chemotherapy. In some, fatigue lasts a few days, while others say the problem persists throughout the course of treatment and even after the treatment is complete. • Radiation therapy . Radiation, commonly used in the treatment of rectal cancer, can cause fatigue that increases over time. This can occur regardless of the treatment site. Fatigue usually lasts from 3 to 4 weeks after treatment stops, but can continue for up to 2 to 3 months. • Combination therapy. More than one cancer treatment at the same time or one after the other increases the chances of developing fatigue.
