Modern life has made fatigue feel normal.
Long work hours, poor sleep schedules, family responsibilities, and digital overload leave many people exhausted. As a result, persistent fatigue is one of the most overlooked warning signs in medicine.
Cancer-related fatigue is often different from ordinary tiredness. It may continue despite adequate rest and can slowly affect everyday activities.
Dr Vijay Karan Reddy, HOD & Senior Consultant – Radiation Oncologist and Director of Oncology, Arete Hospitals, said, “One of the biggest challenges in cancer care is that early symptoms rarely arrive dramatically. People often explain them away as stress, ageing, acidity, hormonal changes, or a hectic routine. Persistent fatigue, unexplained weight loss, recurring bloating, a lingering cough, or even subtle changes in bowel habits may seem harmless individually, but when these symptoms continue for weeks, they deserve attention.”
The American Cancer Society notes that extreme tiredness that does not improve with rest can sometimes be associated with cancer and should be evaluated when persistent.