What does pancreatic cancer fatigue feel like?

Fatigue affects people with pancreatic cancer in different ways.

Fatigue affects people differently.

  • It can be constant or it can come on suddenly, for no clear reason.
  • You may have no energy and feel weak.
  • Even after sleeping, you may still feel tired.
  • Some people have problems concentrating or remembering things.
  • You may find it difficult to do the things you used to enjoy, which can be very frustrating.
  • People often find fatigue upsetting. It can be difficult to cope with, and may make you feel down.
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“You feel as though you are walking through treacle. You feel extremely tired all the time. You’re very lethargic but don’t understand why because you haven’t done anything different to your normal routine.”

Becki
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“I don’t think people understand the difference between tiredness and fatigue. Tiredness is when you want to sleep but with fatigue you can’t do anything.”

Questions about fatigue?

It is important that you speak to your doctor or nurse if you have fatigue or are struggling, especially if you are feeling low or down.

You can also speak to our specialist nurses on our free Support Line if you have any questions or concerns about fatigue.

Speak to our nurses
Specialist nurse
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"The best advice she was given was to always listen to her body. And if she was overdoing it she should stop.”

References


We have listed some of the references to the sources used to write this information. If you would like the full list of references, email us at publications@pancreaticcancer.org.uk

  • Bootsma T.I., Schellekens M.P.J., van Woezik R.A.M., van der Lee M.L., Slatman J. Experiencing and responding to chronic cancer-related fatigue: A meta-ethnography of qualitative research.  Psycho-Oncology  01 Feb 2020 29(2):241-250
  • National Comprehensive Cancer Network. NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®). Cancer-related fatigue. Version 2.2022. [online] Available from: https://www.nccn.org/guidelines/guidelines-detail?category=3&id=1424
  • Tang C-C, Draucker C, Tejani M, Von Ah D. Symptom experiences in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer as reported during healthcare encounters. Eur J Cancer Care. 2018;27:e12838. DOI: 10.1111/ecc.12838

Updated October 2025

To be reviewed October 2028