Side Effects of Cancer Treatment
Sometimes it’s tough to separate the effect of cancer on your body and how the treatment is affecting you. This isn’t the time to be shy. Let your care team know if anything is bothering you, because they might be able to help. Here are some resources that touch on physical side effects people go through during cancer treatment, but don’t hesitate to call your doctor’s office if you are having a hard time.
Choose a
Cancer Type
Get more resources and information by selecting a specific cancer type.
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)/Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma (SLL) Cancer Information
-
Source: Leukemia & Lymphoma SocietyAn important part of your discussion with your specialist is the potential of side effects from your treatment and the drugs and therapies to help manage or prevent them. Prepare yourself for that discussion with this helpful article.
More on this topic
-
Source: ChemoExpertsThis video highlights the many treatment options for nausea and vomiting and explains how prevention is an important first step.
-
Source: ChemoExpertsDiarrhea can cause dehydration and even land you in the hospital. Your healthcare team can manage this side effect, but they need your help. Watch this video to understand the risks and what you can do.
-
Source: ChemoExpertsCancer treatment could slow down or throw off your digestion. If your side effects include constipation, this video describes options you can discuss with your doctor.
-
Source: ChemoExpertsSometimes cancer can cause blood clots, which can lead to serious problems. Medications can protect you—watch this video to know why your doctor wants you to follow through on this critical part of care.
-
Source: ChemoExpertsAlthough it doesn't happen to everyone or with every type of therapy, you may experience or be concerned about the possibility of hair loss. This video describes strategies for minimizing drug-induced hair loss.
-
Source: ChemoExpertsIf infection-fighting white blood cells are low and a fever develops, it's (called) neutropenic fever—and it's an urgent medical condition. This video explains when to seek help.
-
Author: Julie RevelantSide effects can be an uncomfortable part of treating cancer and can vary depending on the length and type of treatment you undergo. This article discusses how to cope with cancer treatment side effects in a healthy, open way with one’s cancer treatment team.
-
Author: Sarah Handzel, BSN, RNOne common cancer side effect—sleep disturbance, or insomnia—affects as many as 60% of people living with cancer or undergoing cancer treatment. This article provides tips on how to sleep well during treatment.
-
Author: Lucy MaherWeight changes are an often unexpected side effect of receiving cancer treatment. Here, we offer tips to help you manage your weight in a healthy way.
-
Author: Julie RevelantWhen you have cancer, a healthy diet is important to help you stay strong, fight infection, and heal. Here are 6 common dietary side effects of cancer treatments and strategies to help manage these concerns.
-
Source: Cancer Support CommunityStress and anxiety go hand-in-hand with a cancer diagnosis. Typically, people approach problems in 1 of 2 ways: actively working on them, or avoiding them. In general, active coping works better and is healthier.
-
Source: Cancer Support CommunityCognitive changes are problems with thinking—including memory, concentration, and behavior. Not everyone who has chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery develops cognitive problems.
-
Source: Cancer Support CommunityTreatment for cancer—surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapies—can cause pain and discomfort. If you begin experiencing new pain or severe pain, it is important that you tell your doctor immediately.
-
Source: CancerCarePalliative care (pronounced PAL-lee-uh-tiv) is medical care for people with serious illnesses. The goal is to relieve symptoms, pain, and stress in an effort to improve quality of life.
-
Source: CancerCareMany people going through cancer treatment notice changes in their memory and thinking abilities. Coping with symptoms of chemo-brain involves finding ways to help you remember things better.
Cancer.com collects information from respected sources and is not responsible for the creation of content, except as noted. The original source has granted permission to share this information on Cancer.com in an effort to provide you with the best information possible.
Stay
Connected
Receive periodic emails from Cancer.com with information tailored to your current needs, whether recently diagnosed, in treatment, or in remission.
Additional Links
-
Source: American Cancer SocietyLearn the different ways supportive care therapies may help with the effects of CLL and its treatments, such as infections and abnormal blood counts.
-
Source: American Cancer SocietyDownload a worksheet to help you record and keep track of any side effects you are having related to your treatment.
-
Source: American Cancer SocietyDownload a worksheet to help you record and keep track of any side effects you are having, so your cancer care team can help you manage them.
-
Source: American Cancer SocietyDownload a worksheet with information to help you keep track of any pain you may be having to help you manage it.
-
Source: Cancer Support CommunityKnow what kinds of side effects to expect and how to cope with them. Being well informed can help you and your healthcare team to create a plan to manage, or even prevent, some side effects of cancer treatment.
-
Source: National Cancer InstituteJust as cancer affects your physical health, it can bring up a wide range of feelings you’re not used to dealing with. Learn more about some of the common feelings associated with cancer, and what you can do to manage them.
-
Source: National Cancer InstituteDownload a guide about cancer-related pain that covers what you need to know, questions to ask, and how it’s treated.
-
Source: CancerCareYour body’s reaction to chemotherapy depends on a number of things, such as the length of treatment, the dosage prescribed, and your personal health history. Learn more about how to better control side effects from chemotherapy, and tips to communicate with your healthcare team.
Support Tools
Helpful resources that can prepare you to take action are just one click away.