Symptom 7: Fatigue
Everyone feels tired from time to time. Perhaps it’s from a late night, an intense workout, or simply the hustle and bustle of everyday life. However, there’s a profound difference between the occasional tiredness and relentless fatigue. Fatigue is a draining, persistent tiredness that doesn’t abate with rest. It’s like a looming cloud that casts a shadow over daily activities, robbing individuals of the energy they once took for granted.
Squamous-cell carcinoma (SCC) can be a silent thief, gradually siphoning away one’s vitality. As the body diverts resources to combat the cancer and support its abnormal growth, it leaves less energy for daily tasks. The body is in a state of constant battle, and this struggle often manifests as fatigue.
It’s essential to delve into why SCC results in such profound tiredness. Firstly, cancers, including SCC, produce cytokines – substances that can lead to inflammation and fatigue. Additionally, the body’s effort to repair damage caused by the cancerous cells leads to increased energy expenditure. Combine this with the potential for reduced nutrient absorption, appetite loss, and the emotional stress of having cancer, and the fatigue becomes palpable. (7)
