what are the side effects of breast cancer treatment

What are the long term effects of breast cancer?

The Impact of Breast Cancer Treatment on Your Long-Term Health Fatigue Headaches Pain and numbness (peripheral neuropathy) Dental issues Lymphedema Musculoskeletal symptoms Bone loss and osteoporosis Heart problems New cancers Cataracts Blood clots Absence of menstrual periods Menopausal symptoms ...

What is the best drug for breast cancer?

Breast cancer treatments can cause both temporary side effects that stop soon after treatment finishes and longer-term side effects. Ongoing side effects, such as hot flushes or fatigue (extreme tiredness), can stop you feeling that you’re moving forward after treatment. For some people, they’re a constant reminder of their breast cancer.

What are side effects of tamoxifen for breast cancer?

Bleeding and Bruising Problems Blood Clots and Phlebitis Breathing Problems C Cold and Flu Symptoms Constipation Coughing D Dehydration Delayed Wound Healing Depression Diarrhea Dizziness Dry Mouth Dry Skin E Electrolyte Imbalance Endometrial Cancer Endometriosis Advertisement F Fainting Fatigue Fertility Issues Fever G Gas (Flatulence) H Hair Loss

What medications cause breast cancer?

This could cause a number of side effects including: Loss of appetite. Nausea and vomiting. Weakness and fatigue. Mouth sores. Hair loss. Weight gain. Early menopause. A higher risk of infections. Bleeding. Diarrhea.

How does breast cancer treatment affect the body?

Breast cancer and its treatment may change how you feel about your body. Scars, pain, weight gain or loss, hair loss or thinning, sexual side effects, changes in sensation, or lymphedema can trigger feelings of surprise and sadness, even if you were prepared for side effects.Aug 31, 2015

What are the drawbacks of breast cancer treatment?

Surgery can cause pain and lymphedema. Hormonal therapy can cause hot flashes, joint pain, and bone thinning. Chemotherapy can cause hair loss, diarrhea, neuropathy, fatigue, and mouth sores. Radiation therapy can cause itching, soreness, and peeling skin.Feb 3, 2017

What are the most common side effects of radiation therapy for breast cancer?

The main short-term side effects of external beam radiation therapy to the breast are:Swelling in the breast.Skin changes in the treated area similar to a sunburn (redness, skin peeling, darkening of the skin)Fatigue.

What are the long-term side effects of radiation treatment for breast cancer?

Long-term side effects can include:Breast changes: The breasts may shrink or become more dense after radiation. ... Brachial plexopathy: Radiation to the breast or chest wall can sometimes damage the nerves that run through the arm, wrist, and hand. ... Lymphedema: Lymphedema is swelling of the arm, hand, or chest.Oct 5, 2018

What are different side effects of cancer treatments?

Side Effects of Cancer TreatmentAnemia.Appetite Loss.Bleeding and Bruising (Thrombocytopenia)Constipation.Delirium.Diarrhea.Edema (Swelling)Fatigue.More items...

What are the most common side effects of cancer treatment?

What are the most common 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.

How long does it take to recover from radiation therapy for breast cancer?

It often takes 3 to 4 weeks for skin reactions to heal. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to contact your radiation oncologist or nurse.Jul 19, 2021

Will I lose my hair with radiation for breast cancer?

Radiotherapy. Like chemotherapy, radiotherapy affects healthy cells as well as cancer cells so can cause hair loss, but only in the specific area being treated. This means that you will only lose hair from that area.

When do radiation side effects start?

How Soon Might I Have Side Effects From Radiation Therapy? There are two kinds of radiation side effects: early and late. Early side effects, such as nausea and fatigue, usually don't last long. They may start during or right after treatment and last for several weeks after it ends, but then they get better.Feb 8, 2021

Do tumors grow back after radiation?

Normal cells close to the cancer can also become damaged by radiation, but most recover and go back to working normally. If radiotherapy doesn't kill all of the cancer cells, they will regrow at some point in the future.Jul 6, 2020

What is the most common acute side effect of radiation treatment?

Fatigue is the most common acute side effect of radiation therapy. It is believed to be caused by the large amount of energy that is used by the body to heal itself in response to radiation therapy. Most people begin to feel fatigued about 2 weeks after radiation treatments begin.

Does breast cancer radiation affect your teeth?

Radiation therapy can change the amount and consistency of your saliva. This increases your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Having good oral hygiene is important in lowering your risk of these conditions.

What are the side effects of breast cancer treatment?

Chemotherapy and radiation destroy breast cancer cells. But these treatments can also affect healthy cells and can change how you feel. They might cause: Loss of appetite. Nausea and vomiting. Weakness and fatigue. Mouth sores.

How long does diarrhea last after breast cancer?

Digestive changes, including heartburn; nausea, vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea that is severe or lasts longer than 2 or 3 days; or blood in your stools. Next In Breast Cancer Treatment Options. Treatment by Stage. further reading.

How long after chemo can you get white blood cells?

Try to stay out of large crowds and away from sick adults and children for 7 to 10 days after you have chemotherapy. That's when you usually have the fewest white blood cells.

How does cancer affect fertility?

Here are some ways that cancer therapies may affect your fertility: Chemotherapy may lower the number of eggs your body releases to be fertilized. Radiation may damage your ovaries and uterus. Hormone therapy may interrupt your menstrual cycles and make it harder to conceive.

How to make sure you are not hungry after breast cancer treatment?

Try these tips to make sure you’re eating a healthy diet: Eat a few small meals during the day instead of three large ones. Try an "instant breakfast " mix or other nutritional shakes between meals.

How to prepare for chemotherapy?

Some women prepare by getting a short hair style before chemotherapy begins. You can also try hair wraps and wigs. When hair grows back, the texture may be different, but many women won’t notice any changes. The good news about hair loss is that it stops once treatment is over.

How to make yourself tired after cancer treatment?

Many parts of cancer treatment can make you feel weak or tired, including the treatment itself, worry or depression, not eating, pain, and too few blood cells in your body. Make sure you get enough rest. Sleep at least 8 hours a night, and try to lie down during the day to rest if you’re still tired.

How To Reduce Side Effects Of Side Effects Of Breast Cancer Treatment

One of the first things that a woman who has gone through breast cancer treatment should do is to get a mammogram. A mammogram is an x-ray that helps detect any signs of breast cancer. However, getting a mammogram can sometimes be uncomfortable.

How Is Chemotherapy Given For Breast Cancer

Chemotherapy drugs are given intravenously or orally . Once the drugs enter the bloodstream, they are delivered to all parts of the body to reach cancer cells that may have spread beyond the breast. As a result, chemotherapy is considered a systemic form of breast cancer treatment.

Here Are Some Common Side Effects Of Treatment For Breast Cancer Along With Ways To Cope With Them

Nausea and vomiting. These symptoms may be caused by chemotherapy. Your health care team can prescribe medications to help manage these side effects. Your team may also recommend working with a dietitian, who can provide tips on eating and how to stay hydrated during chemotherapy.

Changes In The Shape Size And Feel Of The Breast

In time radiotherapy can cause the breast tissue to change shape or shrink in size a little. This can happen to your natural breast tissue or a reconstructed breast.

When Is Chemotherapy Used

Not all women with breast cancer will need chemo, but there are several situations in which chemo may be recommended:

How Will I Know If The Chemotherapy Treatments Are Working

Some people may think that their chemotherapy treatment is not working if they do not experience side effects. However, this is a myth.

The Effects Of Breast Cancer On The Body

At first, breast cancer affects the breast area only. You may notice changes in your breasts themselves. Other symptoms arent so obvious until you detect them during a self-exam.

How long after breast cancer treatment do side effects occur?

New side effects may occur months or even years after treatment ends. These long-term and new side effects may be called late effects of breast cancer treatment. Late effects vary from person to person. So, it can be hard to plan for or cope with them.

What are the late effects of breast cancer?

Some common late effects of breast cancer treatment include (in alphabetical order): Bone health problems. Changes in the look and feel of the breast after lumpectomy. Changes in the look and feel of the breast after radiation therapy. Changes in the look and feel of the breast after reconstruction. Early menopause.

What is the quality of life after breast cancer?

Quality of life after treatment. “Quality of life” describes a person’s overall well-being. Your mental and physical health (including symptoms such as pain and fatigue), ability to perform daily roles and sexual function are all part of your quality of life. Quality of life issues after breast cancer treatment.

What are the changes in the breast after reconstruction?

Changes in the look and feel of the breast after reconstruction. Early menopause. Emotional distress and depression. Fatigue or insomnia (trouble sleeping) Fear of breast cancer recurrence. Infertility. Joint and muscle pain. Menopausal symptoms (such as hot flashes and vaginal symptoms) Sexuality and intimacy issues.

How to contact Komen Breast Care?

If you or a loved one needs information or resources about clinical trials, call the Komen Breast Care Helpline at 1-877 GO KOMEN (1-877- 465- 6636) or email [email protected]. Learn more about clinical trials . Updated 06/22/21.

How to get rid of headaches from breast cancer?

Getting relief from headaches caused by breast cancer treatment. Here are a few ways to ease headaches: Stretch often , starting with your head, neck and shoulders, then stretch your arms, legs and back. Get plenty of sleep to help combat. Quit or avoid smoking: It’s a headache trigger.

What to eat if you have breast cancer?

Eat like a bird all day long, so you don’t get too full too quickly. Eat dry foods like crackers, toast and cereal.

How to keep hair from growing during chemotherapy?

Cold caps have helped some women keep some or quite a bit of their hair during chemotherapy. Using wraps, hats and turbans to protect your head and add a touch of style. Preparing for your new hair to grow in with a different color, texture or wave. But don’t worry, these changes are usually temporary.

What are the best treatments for breast cancer?

To ease these side effects, many people with breast cancer—up to 86 percent, according to a study published in Breast Cancer Research and Treatment—turn to complementary therapies, such as acupuncture, dietary supplements, meditation, and yoga. Can such therapies help?

How many complementary therapies are there for breast cancer?

In developing the guidelines, 12 researchers from health organizations around the world reviewed studies on more than 80 complementary therapies.

Why is yoga good for cancer?

Yoga also got a B grade for improving the overall quality of life for those with breast cancer.

Does chemo help with nausea?

The researchers found that this helped ease na usea and vomiting in breast cancer patients when used alongside conventional anti-nausea drugs during chemo—and gave these therapies a grade B recommendation.

Is music therapy effective for breast cancer?

They found that passive music therapy was fairly effective (a B grade) at easing anxiety while people were going through breast cancer treatments. In some cases, listening to music even allowed some people to decrease the amount of sedative medications they used during radiation.

How long after radiation therapy do side effects occur?

Rare long-term side effects. Although rare with modern treatment, the side effects below may occur a few months or years after radiation therapy.

How to contact Komen for breast cancer?

If you or a loved one needs more information about breast health or breast cancer, call the Komen Breast Care Helpline at 1-877 GO KOMEN (1-877-465-6636).

How to treat lymphedema in breast?

The chances of getting lymphedema are greater if your treatment includes both [ 5,15-18 ]: 1 Removal of axillary nodes during breast cancer surgery (the more nodes removed, the greater the risk) 2 Radiation therapy to the axillary or supraclavicular (above the collarbone) lymph nodes

How long does it take for side effects to go away after radiation?

Once radiation therapy ends, short-term side effects will mostly go away within 2 weeks [ 9 ]. Let your radiation oncologist or nurse know how the sessions are making you feel. They may be able to recommend creams or other interventions ...

How long does fatigue last after radiation?

Fatigue. Fatigue is common during radiation therapy and may last for several weeks after treatment ends. Fatigue is mainly a short-term problem, but for some, it can persist [ 10-11 ]. You may feel like you don’t have any energy and may feel tired all of the time. Resting may not help.

Can radiation cause hair loss?

Nausea and hair loss. Nausea is rare with radiation therapy to the breast. You won’t lose the hair on your head. However, you may lose some hair under your arm or on the breast or chest area getting radiation (this may be a concern for some men with breast cancer).

Can radiation cause breast cancer?

In rare cases, radiation therapy to the breast can cause a second cancer. The most common cancers linked to radiation therapy are sarcomas (cancers of the connective tissue) [ 20-22 ]. For women who are long-term smokers, radiation therapy may also increase the risk of lung cancer [ 19 ]. The risk of a second cancer is small.