Women who survive cancer are significantly more likely than men to experience prolonged fatigue and depression, according to new research presented at the American Association for Cancer Research’s annual meeting in Chicago. The study revealed that female cancer survivors are 69% more likely to report cancer-related fatigue and 58% more likely to suffer from depression compared to their male counterparts.
These symptoms can significantly impact daily life, with fatigue severe enough to hinder basic activities such as grocery shopping, showering, and socializing. As a result, women are often less physically active post-treatment, which may further deteriorate their quality of life. Dr. Simo Du, lead author of the study and an internal medicine resident at NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi, initiated the research after noticing a trend in her clinic: a disproportionate number of female survivors reported lingering exhaustion and emotional distress.
The analysis was based on data from 1,555 Female Cancer Survivors across two cohorts of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The findings reflect the experiences of a broader population of approximately 25 million American survivors from over 20 types of cancer, including breast, prostate, and colon cancers.
Exploring the Underlying Causes
The reason women experience more severe post-cancer side effects is not fully understood, but researchers propose several possible explanations. Biological differences may play a role: women tend to have stronger immune responses to treatment, leading to increased inflammation. Additionally, women often clear drugs more slowly than men, causing higher medication concentrations in their bodies, which could worsen side effects.
Body composition, drug metabolism, and hormone therapies—commonly used in treating breast cancer—also contribute. Some of these therapies, such as tamoxifen, are taken for several years after remission, extending the period during which symptoms may persist. Social factors may further compound these effects. Women often bear more caretaking responsibilities at home, which adds stress and may heighten both fatigue and depressive symptoms.
Interestingly, while women were more likely to report fatigue and depression, men in the study were more likely to experience thoughts of self-harm. This aligns with broader mental health data that show higher suicide rates among men, potentially tied to societal expectations of emotional suppression and familial provision.
Female Cancer Survivors uses Physical Activity as a Key Intervention
The research also emphasized the value of moderate exercise in managing post-cancer symptoms. Female Cancer Survivors who engaged in activities like walking or cycling had a 50% lower risk of cancer-related fatigue. Additionally, both moderate and vigorous physical activity were associated with a two- to five-fold reduction in the risk of depression. Notably, vigorous exercise did not appear to provide additional benefits for fatigue.
These findings support growing evidence that exercise can be more effective than medication in alleviating post-treatment fatigue. A 2024 review of 113 clinical trials echoed this conclusion, highlighting the effectiveness of exercise, cognitive behavioral therapy, and mindfulness programs during and after cancer treatment.
Experts like Dr. Du and biostatistician Joseph Unger of Fred Hutch Cancer Center suggest that while exercise is helpful, future research should focus on addressing the underlying causes of gender disparities in post-cancer recovery. In the meantime, public awareness and medical practices must evolve to recognize and validate the emotional and physical burdens many survivors carry—even after treatment ends.
