Fatigue can be a challenge for those undergoing cancer treatment. During treatment for prostate cancer, Todd Seals found he was struggling with long-term exhaustion and declining mental health. Today, Todd shares his 5 top tips for shaking off the tiredness and getting your quality of life back.

Unshakeable, long-term fatigue is a common concern for people with cancer or undergoing cancer treatment. Chemotherapy, radiation, and medications may all make you feel exhausted, weak, or burned out. I know that the worst side effects of my prostate cancer and treatment were debilitating tiredness and depression.

Every person is different in the amount of fatigue they experience from cancer treatment and what helps them to feel more energized. Talk to your healthcare provider about steps you can take to boost your energy, as they are there to help!

In the meantime, here are a few lifestyle-based strategies I've used to combat fatigue over the years.

5 ways to combat fatigue from cancer treatment

1. Keep moving

I've never been a gym guy. Exercise was the last thing on my mind when I first began cancer treatments. All I really wanted to do was sit on the sofa. I'm lucky that my partner wasn't about to let that happen.

She made me take short walks. These walks became longer. She doubled my quality of life.

Exercise is a must. It's amazing how just a little movement and fresh air can combat fatigue.

Some men tell me they struggle to walk even short distances. My reply is always the same: Walk a short distance. Walk a little farther tomorrow.

The trick is to set a realistic goal for yourself and stick to it. Start slow and eventually aim to get to three to five hours of moderate activity per week.

My first strolls with my wife were only a quarter of a mile. We did this daily for two weeks before adding distance and small hills. She bought me a bicycle and a kayak. Eventually, we started riding bicycles.

I hated exercise at first. But I started to look forward to our walks and rides as they became longer and harder. I also started to have more energy and felt better.

My wife and I will now bike 15 miles a day during the warm months of the year. We're also avid hikers. To this day, I feel the fatigue coming back if I'm not physically active on a regular basis.

2. Eat to fight fatigue

What you eat can help fight treatment-induced fatigue.

Many cancer patients can develop anemia due to radiation, chemotherapy, low iron levels in the blood, or cancer itself. Anemia is a lower-than-normal level of hemoglobin (the part of red blood cells that carry oxygen). A common symptom is feeling exhausted.

Your care team will monitor your complete blood count during treatment. But talk to your doctor if you suspect you're becoming anemic. One important way to ward off anemia is by eating iron-rich foods. These include green leafy vegetables, beans, sweet potatoes, fish, and meat.

I lived in the mountains of southwest Washington as a boy, so I grew up eating wild game and fish. I introduced my wife to elk steak, and she loves it. Wild game is lean, and it isn't raised with growth hormones or antibiotics. It also tastes better!

We supplement a small serving of animal protein with a lot of fresh organic fruit and vegetables.

I know cancer patients who said that a vegan diet helped their fatigue during cancer treatment. Of course, this won't be suitable for everybody, depending on your dietary needs. Some vegan diets can also lead to unintended weight loss, which may not be advisable during cancer treatment.

Talk to your doctor and possibly a nutritionist to figure out a diet that works for you. It's always advisable to seek medical advice before making radical changes to your diet.

3. Talk to your doctor about vitamin deficiencies and supplements

The person who first said, "Stick it where the sun don't shine," was talking about where I live. We're a couple hours south of Seattle, Washington. Sometimes, it seems like the sun will never come out.

Our bodies produce vitamin D with sunlight. Not getting enough exposure to the sun can lead to a vitamin D deficiency, which may cause symptoms of depression and tiredness.

Not everyone needs to worry about vitamin D deficiency. Talk to your doctor if you think vitamin D deficiency might be a problem for you.

I'm not a fan of supplements. However, my oncologist introduced a couple to my treatment plan to help with my lethargy. I take vitamin D and sometimes a natural multivitamin when fresh produce isn't readily available in winter.

Some research is also looking into whether ginseng supplements can help cancer-related fatigue. Be sure to always talk to your healthcare provider before taking any supplement.

4. Get enough good-quality sleep

Sleep has not come easy for me. Falling asleep was difficult as a cancer patient. Staying asleep was harder.

Getting enough rest or sleep is essential for combatting exhaustion and burnout. Sleep helps your body to repair and balance hormones.

Good sleep improves decision-making, problem-solving, and memory recall. Without it, our brain loses the ability to think clearly. Studies have often linked lack of sleep to depression.

I started using over-the-counter sleep aids early in my diagnosis on my doctor's advice. I later started taking melatonin about an hour before bedtime each night. I've found it to be helpful. But be sure to talk with your doctor before taking any supplements.

Prostate cancer patients may find that frequent urination leads to frequent bathroom trips that disrupt sleep. Avoid drinking fluids right before bed to minimize sleep interruption. Empty your bladder completely before retiring for the night.

And, naturally, avoid alcohol and caffeine before going to bed. Alcohol can often make us feel sleepy, but it disrupts our sleep more than it helps. (These tips can work for anyone who wakes up in the middle of the night to use the restroom!)

Lastly, there is no substitute for a quality mattress. I fall asleep easier, sleep better, and wake feeling rested since we bought our new one.

5. Ask your doctor for depression and anxiety advice

Mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression are more common in cancer patients than in the average population. A cancer diagnosis can be scary. The pressure from treatments and physical symptoms of cancer might lead to the onset or worsening of depression.

In turn, depression can make us feel tired. You may have trouble sleeping and be uninterested in things that used to energize you.

Speak to your doctor if you're feeling anxious or overwhelmed due to your diagnosis or treatment. There is help, including psychotherapy, medication, and support groups.

The takeaway

I believe that the best way to fight short- or long-term fatigue during cancer treatment is to take a holistic approach. Feed your mind, body, and spirit, and exercise as much as your condition will allow. These strategies worked for me.

I've been fighting stage 4 prostate cancer for over 13 years. Today, I feel good. I hope to feel good tomorrow. I'll do everything for that to happen. 

The information presented is solely for educational purposes, not as specific advice for the evaluation, management, or treatment of any condition.

The individual(s) who have written and created the content and whose images appear in this article have been paid by Teva Pharmaceuticals for their contributions. This content represents the opinions of the contributor and does not necessarily reflect those of Teva Pharmaceuticals. Similarly, Teva Pharmaceuticals does not review, control, influence, or endorse any content related to the contributor's websites or social media networks. This content is intended for informational and educational purposes and should not be considered medical advice or recommendations. Consult a qualified medical professional for diagnosis and before beginning or changing any treatment regimen.

NPS-ALL-NP-01496 MARCH 2025