Cancer Treatment Chemotherapy Side Effects of Chemotherapy By Julia Knox facebook twitter linkedin Julia Knox, MPH, is an Associate Fellow of Precision Medicine: Ethics, Politics and Culture at Columbia University. Learn about our editorial process Julia Knox Published on January 19, 2021 Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Why Side Effects Happen What Are the Side Effects? Common Side Effects Long-Term Effects/Late Effects The side effects of chemotherapy differ from person to person. Chemo drugs kill not only cancer cells but normal, healthy cells as well. Damage to healthy cells is why chemotherapy causes side effects. Not everyone will experience the same side effects or to the same degree. They depend on the type of cancer, location, drugs, and dose, and a person's general health. FatCamera / Getty Images Why Side Effects Happen Chemotherapy works on active cells. Active cells are cells that are growing and dividing into more of the same type of cell. Cancer cells are active, but so are some healthy cells. Cells commonly affected by chemotherapy are those in the blood, mouth, digestive system, reproductive system, and hair follicles. Cancer cells are nonspecific, and, unlike drugs that can target specific neurons in the brain, drugs for cancer must target uniform bunches of cells. Side effects happen when chemotherapy damages these healthy cells. Chemotherapy for Cancer Treatment - An Overview What Are the Side Effects? Certain classes of chemotherapy drugs are more frequently associated with side effects. The Most Common Chemotherapy Side Effects You Should Know About Common Side Effects Dry Skin Chemotherapy agents may induce dryness and peeling of the skin. A study involving chemotherapy patients receiving hormonal treatments reported dry skin as the most common side-effect (60.86%). To manage this side effect, stay hydrated, avoid exposure to a harsh climate, and avoid personal soaps and detergents without artificial dyes or fragrances when possible. Wear protective gloves while doing tasks such as household dishes or gardening, and use moisturizing body oil after showering Rashes Rashes appear as discoloration of the skin, and can be smooth or flat. Often, rashes cause irritation such as itching. Those with rashes as a result of their chemotherapy treatment should stay hydrated, avoid exposure to a harsh climate, and avoid personal soaps and detergents without artificial dyes or fragrances when possible. They may also want to opt for loose-fitting, cotton fabrics that may be more comfortable and avoid excessively hot baths. Colloidal oatmeal suspensions can be found in a variety of products, such as available in bath soaps. Studies have demonstrated that colloidal oatmeal can help with skin inflammation. Fatigue Fatigue is the most common side effect of cancer treatment. It can be caused by a variety of reasons, such as the death of healthy cells and psychological stress. Maintaining a healthy schedule to the extent possible. For example, if you do not have the energy to go for a walk, discuss developing exercises with your provider. Stay hydrated, and maintain a healthy diet. Nausea Chemotherapy drugs can trigger the chemotherapy receptor zone (CTZ), which can cause nausea. Avoid foods with a strong smell (such as anchovies), and greasy foods. Eat small meals and rest after each meal. Consume beverages at room temperature. Your doctor may be able to help prescribe a medication to help with nausea. Hydration is very important because nausea may induce vomiting, which can lead to dehydration Can Ginger Reduce Nausea from Chemo? Constipation Constipation occurs when bowel movements are infrequent, dry, and hard. Constipation can occur as a result of cancer itself, or as the result of cancer therapies, or a combination. Staying hydrated can help soften stools. FIber, stimulant laxatives, or enemas are potential treatments. Auricular acupressure was found to be effective in reducing constipation in one study Hair Loss Certain drugs have been deemed more likely to cause hair loss than others. Hormonal therapies are most associated with hair thinning. Some people choose to purchase a wig, and you can check to see if your insurance company will cover the cost. If you choose to forgo a wig, stock up on a nice selection of hats and/or headscarves! Some companies donate hats and headscarves for chemotherapy patients. Programs like Look Better, Feel Better help people adjust to changes in their appearance through support groups and beauty guides Your Guide to Wigs During Cancer Treatment Diarrhea Chemotherapy may damage the cells that line your intestines and cause loose stools. In certain cases, you may need to have IV therapy for remedial hydration. Diarrhea can cause complications such as renal failure and electrolyte disorders. Drinking beverages at room temperature and avoiding greasy, fatty foods can help. Remember the acronym BRAT: It stands for bananas, rice, apples, and toast. These are foods that are generally safe for an upset stomach Sexual or Reproductive Issues People going through chemotherapy may experience erectile dysfunction (ED), or vaginal dryness. When to Seek Help If you have any sudden vision changes, experience shortness of breath, have sudden, sharp pain in the chest, have excessive diarrhea beyond what is expected as a side effect, or prolonged quickening of the pulse, you should seek immediate medical help. Natural Ways to Counter the Side Effects of Chemotherapy Long-Term Effects/Late Effects Most side effects go away after treatment, but some of them continue, come back, or develop later. A number of long-term effects are associated with chemotherapy treatment. Cardiac Concerns Those who have treatment for left-sided breast cancer may experience damage to the heart and coronary arteries. It is important to speak with your oncologist about these concerns. A respiratory grating is a technique used for left-sided breast cancer that can help mitigate these effects. Fatigue Many people feel fatigued long after their chemotherapy has finished. It is important to share this with your provider. Frustrating cognitive effects, sometimes referred to as chemobrain, can be very frustrating, but the symptoms usually improve over time. Infertility Infertility following treatment varies by treatment type and dose. It is important to let your care team know if you want to have children or may want to. They can discuss options with you such as sperm preservation, embryo preservation, and freezing eggs. Peripheral neuropathy Peripheral neuropathy may present as numbness and burning in your feet and hands and constipation. Some drugs that are more likely to cause peripheral neuropathy are Taxotere (docetaxel) and Taxol (paclitaxel). The medications Platinol (cisplatin), Oncovin (vincristine), and Novelbine (vinorelbine), can also result in peripheral neuropathy. Hearing Loss Platinol (cisplatin) is commonly linked to hearing loss (ototoxicity). Osteoporosis This is the most common delayed effect of chemotherapy. Osteoporosis can make bones more vulnerable to fracture and lead to bone loss. Pulmonary fibrosis Chemotherapy can lead to pulmonary fibrosis in certain people, especially when chemotherapy is combined with radiation to the chest region. Kidney and Bladder Effects Certain chemotherapy medications, such as cisplatin, can cause damage to the kidneys and bladder. This can result in a decreased ability of your kidneys to filter your blood. Damage to the bladder can also occur and may be temporary or permanent. Symptoms of bladder irritation may include pain or urgency with urination, or blood in your urine. People on chemotherapy often receive steroids, which can hasten the development of cataracts in some people. What Are the Long Term Side Effects of Chemotherapy for Cancer Treatment A Word From Verywell Concerns about side effects prior to beginning treatment for chemotherapy are normal. There is a wealth of information available on the specific symptoms associated with personal factors and specific chemotherapy agents. Every treatment path is unique. Maintaining an optimistic attitude and relying on your support system can help to significantly reduce anxiety. Although it is important to take time to research your care, it is also important to take time to disconnect from and relax alone. Cancer: Coping, Support, and Living Well Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Limiting processed foods and red meats can help ward off cancer risk. These recipes focus on antioxidant-rich foods to better protect you and your loved ones. Sign up and get your guide! Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. American Cancer Society. Chemotherapy Side Effects. Updated May 1, 2020. Cancer.Net. Side Effects of Chemotherapy. Fabbrocini G, Cameli N, Romano MC, Mariano M, Panariello L, Bianca D, Monfrecola G. Chemotherapy and skin reactions. J Exp Clin Cancer Res. 2012 May 28;31(1):50. doi: 10.1186/1756-9966-31-50 Hebert AA, Rippke F, Weber TM, Nicol NH. 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