Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Practice

Which of the following is a prominent side effect of cancer treatment for many individuals?

1. Weight gain

2. Severe fatigue

3. Shortness of breath

4. Increased appetite

The correct answer is: Severe fatigue

Severe fatigue is a prominent side effect of cancer treatment for many individuals due to several factors associated with both the disease and the treatment methods. Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery can significantly impact a person's energy levels and overall sense of well-being. Chemotherapy drugs can target not only cancer cells but also rapidly dividing normal cells, leading to side effects like anemia, which reduces the blood's ability to carry oxygen and results in fatigue. Additionally, the physical and emotional toll of coping with a cancer diagnosis and undergoing various treatments can contribute to feelings of extreme tiredness or exhaustion. This fatigue is often different from typical tiredness; it may not be relieved by rest and can be both physically and emotionally draining, negatively affecting quality of life and daily functioning. While weight gain, shortness of breath, and increased appetite can occur in some patients, they are not nearly as universally experienced as severe fatigue during cancer treatment. The prominence of fatigue as a side effect means it is essential for healthcare providers to address it through supportive care and interventions.