Rozlyn Khan Hospitalised After Fatigue While Battling Stage 4 Cancer; Why the Symptom Matters?

Rozlyn Khan was hospitalised in a Mumbai hospital after she complained of extreme fatigue and health decline. The 37-year-old actress is battling stage 4 breast cancer and reportedly experienced extreme tiredness

along with a high fever while travelling. Khan was treated by her doctors, who gave her multivitamins through an IV to help stabilize her condition. Rozlyn says she felt completely drained during her travel to Delhi, and the cold weather badly affected her already weak body. “Some days I feel strong, and some days I feel weak," Khan said. She stressed the need to listen to her body and allow it the rest and care it requires, noting that healing after cancer treatment can be slow and unpredictable.

Why is fatigue an important symptom of cancer?

Fatigue is one of the most common yet overlooked symptoms of cancer; however, doctors say it is one of the most crucial warning signs. It differs from normal tiredness that may improve with rest, as cancer-related fatigue is persistent, overwhelming, and can interfere with your daily activities. It appears early in the disease or worsens as cancer progresses, making it an important indicator doctors take seriously. Among the cancer patients, fatigue occurs due to various factors, which include tumours releasing inflammatory chemicals, cytokines that disrupt normal energy regulation in the body. Cancer also causes anemia by reducing red blood cell production, which causes poor oxygen delivery to tissues and constant exhaustion. Hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, chronic pain, and sleep disturbances further compound the problem. Fatigue is also a key marker of disease progression or complications. A sudden increase in exhaustion may signal infection, internal bleeding, dehydration, or organ dysfunction—conditions that require urgent medical attention. In advanced or stage 4 cancer, fatigue can reflect the body’s declining ability to cope with the disease burden.

Fatigue from cancer treatments

When you undergo cancer treatment, you may receive medication that targets cancer but also affects healthy cells and tissue. When this happens, it:

• Change how cells work
• Cause inflammation
• Makes you feel nauseated and dehydrated
• Changes hormone levels
• Cancer treatments commonly associated with cancer fatigue are:
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Immunotherapy
• Stem cell transplant

Also read: AIIMS Doctors Remove Massive 20-Kg Tumour From Colon Cancer Patient in Life-Saving Surgery

Can cancer fatigue be treated?

While there is no single medication available to treat cancer-related fatigue, there are medicines that can help treat some of the underlying causes. For example, if you have anemia, your healthcare provider may prescribe treatments to increase red blood cell levels. If you have depression, they may prescribe antidepressants. Unfortunately, sometimes, cancer fatigue happens for multiple reasons, which makes it difficult to treat. Also, palliative care may also help, where experts may help you manage symptoms and side effects. They are also able to connect you with spiritual support and mental health services. To manage cancer fatigue, you need to:

• Adopt healthy sleep habits
• Cut back on caffeine
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Eat well foods
• Seek mental health support
• Exercise and workout
• Manage your medication