Emotional Distress

Causes & Contributing Factors

Depression and anxiety are common mental health conditions experienced by people living with and after cancer that contribute to cancer-related fatigue in several ways. Depression can cause feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities that were previously enjoyed. Anxiety can cause feelings of worry, nervousness, and fear. These negative feelings often result in decreased energy levels, physical activity, and mental alertness – all of which contribute to cancer-related fatigue.

References

Bower J, Nat Rev Clin Oncol, 2014; Mortimer et al., J Nat Comp Cancer Network, 2010; O’Higgins et al., Support Care Cancer, 2018; Thong et al., Curr Treat Options Oncol, 2020; Tian et al., Oncologist, 2016; Uslu and Canbolat, Sem Oncol Nursing, 2021; Wan, X. Clin J Oncol Nursing, 2008