Introduction. Cancer-related fatigue is one of the most common problem of the oncological patients. Despite advances in medicine and nursing, this problem is too rarely noticed by medical staff. Elderly patients believe that fatigue in their age is something normal and it is not related to the disease. The aim of the research. The aim of the study was to present the relationship between acceptance of cancer and fatigue experienced by elderly patients. Material and methods. The research was carried out on the group of 73 patient being currently treated at Radiotherapy Ward. The research instrument was orginal survey questionnaire, Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS BJ Felton, TA Revenson, Hinrichsen GA) in the adaptation of the Z. Juczyński and Fatigue Subscale from FACIT–F Scale - Polish version. Results. Studies has shown that over half of patients experienced fatigue to a great extent. The higher was the level of fatigue, that lower was the level of acceptance of illness among patients. Patients who were more severely affected by cancer complications and its treatment were more tired, but it does not affect their acceptance of the disease. Nausea, pain, lack of energy and inefficient sleep had an impact on a greater level of fatigue. Taking medicines permanently affects the more frequent feeling of fatigue. More women than men reported that they feel tired. Conclusion. The analysis of the research proved that among older people treated oncologically, their fatigue has a negative impact on the acceptance of cancer.

Key words: cancer disease, acceptance of the disease, cancer-related fatigue, the elderly.