Definition of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) for Cancer-Related Fatigue

Features of cancer-related fatigue:

(1) presence of an underlying cancer

(2) tiredness and/or exhaustion that may be cognitive, emotional, and/or physical

(3) persistent

(4) associated with some level of distress

(5) results in some level of disability

(6) out of proportion to any recent activity

The fatigue may be due to the tumor itself or to cancer therapy. Fatigue related to an acquired infection would be classified as infection-related fatigue.