Many people experience fatigue when they’re living with kidney cancer. It’s difficult to know how common it is because fatigue is very general and can have many causes. However, many people with kidney cancer say that the fatigue they experience is the symptom that disrupts their lives the most.

Talk to your oncologist or another healthcare provider if you’re experiencing fatigue. They can help you manage it. Here’s what you need to know to understand kidney cancer fatigue.

How Does Fatigue Affect People With Kidney Cancer?

Members of MyKidneyCancerTeam talk about fatigue they’ve experienced with kidney cancer. Some find that they’re so tired and have such low energy that they struggle to keep up with their daily activities.

One member living with fatigue shared, “I’ve just been diagnosed and I’m in shock. Lots of anxiety! Waiting is torture, the fatigue is debilitating.”

Another member noted that they were experiencing “some fatigue interfering with my working out.” Someone else summed up the general feeling about fatigue: “Just tired of being tired.”

Some members found ways to manage their fatigue. One member explained, “Exercise a little and good walks along with diet change with high-protein intake worked for me.” Another noted, “The only thing that helps my fatigue is rest. Give yourself extra time to do chores/work and rest between.”

These strategies may or may not work for you, but they may offer hope that fatigue can be managed.

What Causes Fatigue in People Living With Kidney Cancer?

Many factors can contribute to fatigue in people diagnosed with kidney cancer. Some common causes are discussed below. Not all of them will apply to every person.

Kidney Cancer Itself

Fatigue is a common symptom of many types of cancer, including kidney cancer. You may feel tired simply because your body is dealing with kidney cancer.

Cancer cells can use up a lot of energy, leaving less available for your body. Your body also produces cytokines, immune system substances that help fight cancer but can also make you feel tired.

Advanced forms or stages of cancer can also cause more fatigue than earlier-stage cancer. If you can’t identify other possible causes of your fatigue, talk to your doctor about whether it might be caused by kidney cancer itself.

Anemia

Anemia is a condition in which your body doesn’t have enough red blood cells. Because red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body, anemia can make you feel very fatigued. You may also experience headaches, shortness of breath, and pale skin.

Cancer in general can cause anemia because the inflammation associated with it can reduce your body’s production of red blood cells. The kidneys normally produce a hormone called erythropoietin that tells the bone marrow to make red blood cells.

If production of that hormone is affected, you can become anemic. This is why people with kidney cancer are more likely to have anemia.

Some cancer treatment options can also lead to anemia. Your doctor will likely test for anemia and help you manage any symptoms that arise.

Poor Nutrition

If you’re dealing with kidney cancer-related fatigue, you may not be eating enough or getting enough calories or nutrients.

Some people with kidney cancer lose their appetite because of cancer itself, treatment side effects, or food aversions. You may also have nausea or diarrhea, which can affect your body’s ability to absorb nutrients through digestion.

Between cancer and cancer treatment, you might struggle to eat enough calories or absorb enough nutrients. In one survey of 94 people in Germany with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (one form of kidney cancer), over 60 percent reported nutritional concerns. Your doctor can refer you to a registered dietitian who can help you develop a meal plan that suits your medical needs.

Treatment Side Effects

Many medications used during kidney cancer care can cause fatigue, including immunotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted cancer drugs, steroids, and painkillers. Immunotherapy is often used to treat certain types and stages of kidney cancer, as are targeted therapy drugs.

Chemotherapy is less common for kidney cancer, but it may be used if your tumors are growing quickly or you have certain types of cancer cells. Medications such as painkillers and steroids may be used to help manage other symptoms related to kidney cancer. If you develop fatigue after starting a medication, talk to your doctor about ways to manage it.

Depression

A Korean study found that people with kidney cancer had higher risks of depression and anxiety than people without cancer, especially during the first year after diagnosis. Depression and anxiety can also be connected to fatigue. Fatigue can also be worse if you feel afraid, hopeless, or stressed about your diagnosis or treatment.

People who experience long-term fatigue may become depressed, and the two conditions can feel the same in many ways. If you’re diagnosed with both kidney cancer and depression, therapy and antidepressants may help ease some fatigue. Talk to your doctor about mental health support, including therapy and antidepressants, if you have symptoms of depression.

Pain

If you’re experiencing pain related to kidney cancer, it can contribute to fatigue, too. If you’re not sleeping well because of pain, you might feel even more tired.

Additionally, people with chronic pain often experience fatigue. If you’ve been living with kidney cancer for a long time, your pain may fall into this category.

Fatigue can also worsen as pain worsens. Pain medications may also add to your fatigue. You and your doctor can work together to balance pain relief with fatigue management.

Inactivity

Getting some physical activity every day has been shown to help people with kidney cancer in several ways, including boosting energy. If you’re not able to stay active, inactivity may be adding to your fatigue.

Talk to a healthcare provider to make sure that exercise is safe for you. They may give you specific guidelines to follow or refer you to a physical therapist to help you find a safe exercise routine that fits your needs.

Sleep Problems

Living with kidney cancer may make it hard to fall asleep, stay asleep, or get quality rest even when you do sleep. Any of these problems can make fatigue worse.

Good sleep habits may help you get more restful sleep. These habits include lifestyle choices, such as keeping your daytime naps to a minimum, going to bed at the same time every night, getting up at the same time in the morning, relaxing before bed, avoiding caffeine close to bedtime, and keeping your bedroom cool. Your doctor can also help you determine what’s interfering with your sleep and figure out how to manage it.

Get Help With Kidney Cancer Fatigue

If you live with kidney cancer, try to note any symptoms or side effects you’re experiencing. Then, share them with your oncology team at your next appointment.

Your doctor can help you develop a plan to manage fatigue and other symptoms so you can feel better day to day. This can help support your quality of life and help you feel more supported in your care.

Join the Conversation

On MyKidneyCancerTeam, people share their experiences with kidney cancer, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

How does fatigue from kidney cancer affect your life? Let others know in the comments below.