Overview

• Reports highlight tiredness that begins on waking and continues through the day as a potential warning sign.
• Cancer Research UK says the exhaustion can result from the disease itself or from treatments and can affect mood, thinking and physical stamina.
• Common features include very low energy, needing to rest after little activity, sleep disturbances, shortness of breath after small tasks and difficulty concentrating.
• The charity stresses the symptom is non-specific, noting other causes such as anaemia, thyroid disorders, diabetes, heart or kidney disease, endometriosis, Long Covid, mental health issues and lifestyle factors.
• People experiencing persistent, unexplained fatigue that disrupts daily life are advised to consult their GP.