what are 3side effects inthe treatment of cancer

What are the most common side effects of cancer treatment?

• Pain. The term “pain” describes a broad category of types of symptoms and it is common to all cancers and cancer...
• Fatigue. Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a severe form of fatigue often described by people with cancer as an...
• Anemia. Anemia develops when there aren’t sufficient red blood cells to carry oxygen...

Full Answer

What are the most common side effects of cancer?

What are the most common side effects of cancer treatments? Some of the most common side effects of cancer and its treatment include pain and fatigue, anemia, mouth problems, nausea/weight change/dietary issues, and hair, skin and nail problems.

What are the long term effects of cancer treatment?

Digestion problems. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery may affect how a person digests food. Surgery or radiation therapy to the abdominal area can cause tissue scarring, long-term pain, and intestinal problems. Some survivors may have chronic diarrhea that reduces the body’s ability to absorb nutrients.

What are the skin-related side effects of cancer treatment?

Skin-related side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy can include dryness, itchiness, redness, and swelling. You should also be careful in the sun while receiving cancer treatment because you may be more susceptible to sunburn.

What are the side effects of chemotherapy on healthy cells?

Damage to healthy cells causes side effects. Side effects are not always as bad as you might expect, but many people worry about this part of cancer treatment. The normal cells most likely to be damaged by chemo are : Blood-forming cells in the bone marrow.

What are the main side effects of cancer treatment?

Some of the most common side effects of cancer and its treatment include pain and fatigue, anemia, mouth problems, nausea/weight change/dietary issues, and hair, skin and nail problems. Pain. The term “pain” describes a broad category of types of symptoms and it is common to all cancers and cancer treatments.

What 3 side effects a person can have with chemotherapy treatments?

Here's a list of many of the common side effects, but it's unlikely you'll have all of these.Tiredness. Tiredness (fatigue) is one of the most common side effects of chemotherapy. ... Feeling and being sick. ... Hair loss. ... Infections. ... Anaemia. ... Bruising and bleeding. ... Sore mouth. ... Loss of appetite.More items...

What are the side effects cancer chemotherapy?

Common side effects of chemotherapy drugs include:Nausea.Vomiting.Diarrhea.Hair loss.Loss of appetite.Fatigue.Fever.Mouth sores.More items...•

What are the 3 traditional treatments of cancer?

The most common treatments are surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.

What are the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation?

What Are Common Side Effects of Chemo and Radiation?Fatigue. Tiredness (fatigue) is the most common side effect of both chemotherapy and radiation. ... Pain. ... Mouth, Gum, and Throat Sores. ... Gastrointestinal Problems. ... Skin Changes. ... Weight Changes. ... Hair Loss. ... Kidney and Bladder Problems.More items...

What are the common side effects of radiation therapy?

Specific side effects of radiation therapy that affect parts of the bodyHeadaches.Hair loss.Nausea.Vomiting.Extreme tiredness (fatigue)Hearing loss.Skin and scalp changes.Trouble with memory and speech.More items...•

What is a side effect in medicine?

Side effects, also known as adverse reactions, are unwanted undesirable effects that are possibly related to a drug. Side effects can vary from minor problems like a runny nose to life-threatening events, such as a heart attack or liver damage.

When do side effects of chemo start?

Nausea and vomiting can start within the first few hours after chemotherapy drugs are given and usually last about 24 hours. However, nausea and vomiting may start more than 24 hours after treatment and last several days (called delayed nausea and vomiting).

What are the effects of cancer cells?

As a result, they build up in the body, using oxygen and nutrients that would usually nourish other cells. Cancerous cells can form tumors, impair the immune system and cause other changes that prevent the body from functioning regularly. Cancerous cells may appear in one area, then spread via the lymph nodes.

What are 3 facts about cancer?

Key Cancer Facts10 million people die from cancer every year.At least one third of common cancers are preventable.Cancer is the second-leading cause of death worldwide.70% of cancer deaths occur in low-to-middle income countries.More items...

What are the types of treatment for cancer?

Cancer treatment options include:Surgery. The goal of surgery is to remove the cancer or as much of the cancer as possible.Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells.Radiation therapy. ... Bone marrow transplant. ... Immunotherapy. ... Hormone therapy. ... Targeted drug therapy. ... Cryoablation.More items...

How does cancer treatment work?

Chemotherapy damages the genes inside the nucleus of cells. Some drugs damage cells at the point of splitting. Some damage the cells while they're making copies of all their genes before they split. Chemotherapy is much less likely to damage cells that are at rest, such as most normal cells.

What are the long term side effects of chemotherapy?

What Are the Long-Term Side Effects of Chemotherapy?Cognitive difficulties.Hearing problems.Heart problems.Increased risk of blood cancers.Lung problems.Nerve damage.Reproductive changes.Duration.

When are chemo side effects the worst?

Blood cell counts often reach their lowest level about 7 to 14 days after chemotherapy. Low blood cell counts is the most common and most serious side effect of chemotherapy. When it happens, the dose of chemotherapy is adjusted right away or chemotherapy may have to be stopped temporarily.

Does everyone have side effects from chemo?

Side effects can vary. There are dozens of ways chemo might affect you, from fatigue and constipation to hair loss, nausea, and mood changes. But it's not the same for everyone. Some people get few side effects or even none at all.

Do the side effects of chemo get worse with each treatment?

The effects of chemo are cumulative. They get worse with each cycle. My doctors warned me: Each infusion will get harder. Each cycle, expect to feel weaker.

How to reduce the chance of infection during chemo?

Washing your hands often will lower your chance of getting an infection during chemotherapy. Talk with your doctor about other ways to lower your risk of getting an infection. You should call your doctor right away if you notice any signs of an infection, especially a fever.

What happens if you have a lymph node removed?

If you have lymph nodes removed during surgery, or if radiation treatment damages a lymph node or vessel, the lymph fluid may not be able to drain properly. The fluid may build up under your skin and cause part of your body to swell . This condition is called lymphedema. Learn more about lymphedema.

Can cancer cause blood clots?

Cancer Pain. Blood Clots (Deep Vein Thrombosis) Other Side Effects. Cancer treatments may have many side effects. A side effect occurs when treatment damages healthy cells. Side effects can be different for each person, and for different medicines and kinds of treatment. If you think you’re experiencing any side effects, talk to your medical team.

Can cancer cause tiredness?

Cancer treatments can cause many other side effects, including tiredness, trouble eating, and depression. The National Cancer Institute#N#external icon#N#and the American Cancer Society#N#external icon#N#describe many of these problems and offer tips for preventing or coping with them.

Can cancer make you sick?

Cancer treatments can make you feel sick to your stomach, and to vomit. Sometimes, cancer patients feel sick just from thinking about cancer treatment. Fortunately, medicines can help control nausea and make you feel better. Tell your doctor when you feel sick, so he or she can find the medicine that works best for you.

Does a cooling cap help with chemotherapy?

may help you keep more of your hair . A cooling cap fits tightly on your head and keeps your scalp cold before, during, and after your chemotherapy treatment. Studies have found that how well a cooling cap works depends on the kind of chemotherapy you receive.

Can cancer drugs make you forget things?

The drugs used to treat cancer can cause some people to have trouble concentrating or remembering things. This is often called “chemo brain,”#N#external icon#N#and it can make it hard for cancer patients to do their jobs or everyday tasks.

How does radiation affect food?

Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery may affect how a person digests food. Surgery or radiation therapy to the abdominal area can cause tissue scarring, long-term pain, and intestinal problems. Some survivors may have chronic diarrhea that reduces the body’s ability to absorb nutrients.

What is the condition that causes shortness of breath, dizziness, and swollen hands and feet?

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is weakening of the heart muscle. Symptoms include shortness of breath, dizziness, and swollen hands or feet. Coronary artery disease is a type of heart disease. It is more common in those who had high doses of radiation therapy to the chest.

What are the problems with the endocrine system?

This system includes the glands and other organs that make hormones and make eggs or sperm. Cancer survivors at risk for hormone changes from treatment need regular blood tests to measure hormone levels. Menopause.

What are the side effects of radiation?

Increased risk of stroke from high doses of radiation to the brain. Nervous system side effects, including damage to the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, called peripheral neuropathy. Cancer survivors should have regular physical examinations and hearing tests after treatment to check for these effects.

What medicine did you receive for Hodgkin lymphoma?

Are 65 and older. Received higher doses of chemotherapy. Received certain medicines, such as trastuzumab (Herceptin, Ogivri) and doxorubicin (Adriamycin, Doxil) Below is a list of common heart conditions.

What are the side effects of cancer treatment?

Talk with your doctor about any new symptoms or side effects that you experience. Fatigue. Fatigue is a constant feeling of physical, emotional, or mental tiredness. It is the most common side effect of cancer treatment. Some cancer survivors have fatigue for months or even years after finishing treatment.

How long after cancer treatment do side effects occur?

Many people who have had cancer treatment have a risk of developing long-term side effects. These side effects can happen months or years after treatment. Evaluating and treating late effects is an important part of cancer survivorship care.

Preparing for and Getting Treatment

If you or someone you care for is facing treatment for a new cancer diagnosis or cancer that has come back, you probably have lots of questions that need answered. Learn about how to approach making decisions about treatment, and what to ask your health care team.

Learn about Treatments

Planning cancer treatment can take time. Find out what you need to know about the most common types of cancer treatment, such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy. Learn how they work and what to expect if they are part of your treatment plan.

Dealing with Side Effects

Get information about the physical side effects that can be caused by different cancer treatments and what you can do to manage them.

More Resources and Information

Find your cancer type for more specific information on how a certain type of cancer is treated, or see the latest news in cancer treatment.

How long do side effects of chemo last?

These are called late effects. Sometimes the side effects can last a lifetime, such as when chemo causes long-term damage to the heart, lungs, kidneys, or reproductive organs.

Can chemo drugs cause side effects?

These interactions may make side effects worse and affect how well chemo drugs work.

What are the side effects of chemotherapy?

Here are some of the more common side effects caused by chemotherapy: Fatigue. Hair loss. Easy bruising and bleeding.

Can you take vitamins for chemo?

But some vitamins might make chemo less effective. More research is needed, but until more is known about the effects of vitamins on chemo, keep these points in mind: If your doctor has not told you to take vitamins, it’s best not to take any.

Can chemo cause long term side effects?

Some chemo drugs cause long-term side effects, like heart or nerve damage or fertility problems. Still, many people have no long-term problems from chemo. Ask your doctor if the chemo drugs you’re getting have long-term effects. While side effects can be unpleasant, they must be weighed against the need to kill the cancer cells.

Can you give chemo to cancer patients?

Doctors try to give chemo at levels high enough to treat cancer, while keeping side effects at a minimum. They also try to avoid using multiple drugs that have similar side effects.

Can chemo kill your body?

Some chemo drugs can damage cells in the heart, kidneys, bladder, lungs, and nervous system. Sometimes, you can take medicines with the chemo to help protect your body’s normal cells. There are also treatments to help relieve side effects. Doctors try to give chemo at levels high enough to treat cancer, while keeping side effects at a minimum.