5. Fatigue That Doesn’t Fade: The Lingering Lethargy
We’ve all felt drained after a long day or a week of hectic activities. But the fatigue linked to stage 4 colorectal cancer is different. It’s a deep-seated tiredness that doesn’t abate, even with ample rest.
At a physiological level, this relentless fatigue arises from several factors. The cancer cells, being prolific in their growth, consume a vast amount of the body’s resources. The body, in its fight against the growing tumor, redirects nutrients and energy, leaving other functions in a state of resource scarcity.
Adding to this is the potential for internal bleeding, often microscopic, stemming from the tumor. This blood loss, though perhaps not immediately evident, can lead to anemia—a shortage of red blood cells. Anemia, in turn, exacerbates fatigue. (5)
