Side Effects of Cancer Treatment

Side Effects Associated with Cancer Treatments:

Anemia: Common in people with cancer, especially those receiving chemotherapy. Anemia is an abnormally low level of red blood cells (RBCs). RBCs contain hemoglobin (an iron protein) that carries oxygen to all parts of the body. If the level of RBCs is too low, parts of the body do not get enough oxygen and cannot work properly. Most people with anemia feel tired or weak.
Fatigue. Fatigue is extreme exhaustion or tiredness, and is the most common problem that people with cancer experience. More than half of patients experience fatigue during chemotherapy or radiation therapy, and up to 70% of patients with advanced cancer experience fatigue.
Fluid in the arms or legs (lymphedema). Lymphedema is the abnormal buildup of fluid in the lymphatic system, the series of channels and nodes (small sacs that hold fluid) that carries lymph through the body and helps fight infection and disease. Lymph is a clear liquid that carries protein and cells that fight infection. Lymphedema can develop immediately after cancer surgery or radiation therapy, or it can develop months or years later. About 15% of women who have modified radical mastectomies develop lymphedema. The most common causes of lymphedema include surgery to remove the lymph nodes, especially for breast cancer, prostate cancer, or melanoma; radiation therapy to the lymph nodes; metastatic cancer; bacterial or fungal infection; injury to the lymph nodes; and other diseases involving the lymph system.
Hair loss (alopecia). A potential side effect of radiation therapy and chemotherapy is hair loss. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy may cause hair loss by damaging the hair follicles responsible for hair growth. Hair loss may occur throughout the body, including the head, face, arms, legs, underarms, and pubic area. The hair loss is usually temporary, and the hair often grows back.
Infection. An infection occurs when harmful bacteria, viruses, or fungi (such as yeast) invade the body and the immune system is not able to destroy them quickly enough. Patients with cancer are more likely to develop infections because both cancer and cancer treatments (particularly chemotherapy and radiation therapy to the bones or extensive areas of the body) can weaken the immune system. Symptoms of infection include fever (temperature of 100.5°F or higher); chills or sweating; sore throat or sores in the mouth; abdominal pain; pain or burning when urinating or frequent urination; diarrhea or sores around the anus; cough or breathlessness; redness, swelling, or pain, particularly around a cut or wound; and unusual vaginal discharge or itching.
Menopausal symptoms in women. Up to 40% of women experience menopausal symptoms because of breast cancer or its treatments. Menopausal symptoms may depend on the type of therapy and may include hot flashes; night sweats; vaginal dryness, itching, irritation, or discharge; painful sexual intercourse; difficulties with bladder control; depressed feelings; and insomnia. Premenopausal women receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer may undergo menopause at an earlier age than expected.
Mouth sores (mucositis). Mucositis is an inflammation of the inside of the mouth and throat, leading to painful ulcers and mouth sores. It occurs in a minority of patients receiving chemotherapy. Mucositis can be caused by chemotherapy directly, the reduced immunity brought on by chemotherapy, or radiation treatment to the head and neck area.
Nausea and vomiting. Vomiting, also called emesis or throwing up, is the act of expelling the contents of the stomach through the mouth. It is a natural way for the body to rid itself of harmful substances. Nausea is the urge to vomit. Nausea and vomiting may occur in patients receiving chemotherapy for cancer and in some patients receiving radiation therapy. Many patients with cancer say they fear nausea and vomiting more than any other side effects of treatment.
Sexual dysfunction. Sexual dysfunction is common in all people, affecting up to 43% of women and 31% of men. It may be even more common in patients with cancer, because of treatments, the tumor, or stress. Many people, with or without cancer, find it intimidating to discuss sexual problems with their doctors. Sexual problems are most commonly caused by body changes from cancer surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy, hormone changes, fatigue, pain, nausea and/or vomiting, medications that reduce libido (desire for sex), fear of recurrence, stress, depression, and anxiety. Symptoms of sexual dysfunction generally fall into four categories: desire disorders, arousal disorders, orgasmic disorders, and pain disorders.
Weight gain. Although it is more common to lose weight during cancer treatment, some patients with cancer gain weight. Slight increases in weight during cancer treatment are generally not problematic. However, significant weight gain may affect a patient's health and the ability to tolerate treatments. Chemotherapy, steroid medications, and hormone therapies can cause weight gain.