Physical Side Effects

    In this section you'll find information about the physical side effects that can be caused by different cancer treatments.

　　Chemotherapy side effects:
　　Chemotherapy drugs are powerful medicines that can cause side effects like vomiting, nausea, fatigue and loss of hair.

　　Radiotherapy side effects:
　　Radiation therapy can cause side effects by damaging normal, healthy cells near the cancer.

　　Pain:
　　Pain can be caused by cancer itself or by certain treatments, such as surgery.

　　Nausea and vomiting:
　　Nausea and vomiting are among the most feared side effects of cancer treatment. While many people treated for cancer have bouts of nausea and vomiting, there are medicines that work well to control these side effects.

　　Fatigue
　　Fatigue is one of the most common and distressing side effects of cancer and its treatment. Fatigue from cancer treatment is often more intense than the feelings of being tired we all have from time to time.

　　Anemia:
　　Anemia is having a lower than normal number of red blood cells in your blood. Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout your body. Not having enough of them can result in feeling weak, tired, or short of breath.

　　Lymphedema:
　　Lymphedema is a build-up of lymph fluid in the fatty tissues just under your skin. This build-up causes swelling (or edema), most often in the arms or legs. Lymphedema can result from surgery or radiation therapy to treat certain cancers.

　　Infection in people with cancer:
　　Infections in people who have cancer or are getting cancer treatment can be more serious than those in other people. They can also be harder to treat. By learning more about them, you and your family may be able to help prevent problems that infections can cause.