A campaign to raise awareness about ‘cancer related fatigue’  – and a digital intervention to help overcome it – has been launched by the Leukaemia Foundation.

The debilitating side effect of cancer treatment is often overlooked and may be under-reported among people with haematological malignancies, the patient advocacy group says

About one in two cancer patients reportedly experiencing moderate to severe fatigue during and after treatment, according to CEO, Chris Tanti.

And with the incidence of blood cancer continuing to increase, this means that at least 70,000 Australians living with the disease are affected, he said.

“Cancer related fatigue is very different to normal everyday tiredness. The patients we support report feeling incredibly weak and exhausted all the time, making it almost impossible to do the simplest things,” said Mr Tanti.

“People can suffer fatigue for months, or even years, during and following treatment, placing a significant strain on their physical, social, and emotional wellbeing. It’s a hidden side effect that can be difficult for patients to talk about and explain to family and friends.”

Cancer related fatigue can be defined as distressing and persistent physical, emotional, or cognitive exhaustion related to cancer and cancer treatment that is not relieved by adequate sleep or rest.

The Leukaemia Foundation awareness campaign is backed by the former premier of Queensland Anna Bligh, who is the latest Leukaemia Foundation Ambassador.

Ms Bligh said she was surprised by the profound fatigue she experienced following her diagnosis of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2013.

“When I was diagnosed with blood cancer, fatigue was not a side effect that was widely spoken about, and I had no idea of the impact it would have on my day-to-day life,” she said..

“I believe that more information, education, and support needs to be available for Australians experiencing fatigue so that they can manage it to the best of their ability and start living their lives following cancer.”

Mr Tanti said about one-quarter to one-third of cancer patients are living with persistent fatigue for up to 10 years after their diagnosis, which can be so bad that it affects their adherence to treatment.

“Sadly, it can interfere with whether someone continues with their cancer treatment, posing a significant risk of reduced survival in blood cancer patients in Australia,” he said.

The Leukaemia Foundation is hoping to combat the persistence of cancer related fatigue by launching the next generation in its service offering, an innovated and evidence-based ‘digital energy coach’ (link here).

“Our new digital energy coach is Australia’s first and only support tool that allows people to gain more power over their cancer related fatigue, while providing proven tips and advice to get them back to doing the things they want and love to do,” said Mr Tanti.

“With the digital energy coach in the palm of your hand, patients can track their sleep, nutrition, exercise, and energy levels, unlocking insights and advice tailored for each individual person.”

The Leukaemia Foundation’s digital energy coach is part of its ‘online blood cancer support service’ designed to support the rising number of Australians impacted by blood cancer.

It provides new and existing patients access to the Leukaemia Foundation anytime and anywhere, with the ability to learn more about their symptoms and find practical steps to help them live well with blood cancer both during treatment and in the years that follow.

“We encourage Australians living with blood cancer to take charge of their cancer related fatigue and use the digital energy coach to help increase their energy levels and get back to living their life,” said Mr Tanti.