Most chemotherapy side effects are temporary and disappear once your treatment is over. Chemotherapy can destroy cancer cells in the body, but it can also destroy healthy cells, which can lead to side effects such as nausea. In some cases, you can have chemotherapy treatment at home. Healthy cells can also be affected by chemotherapy treatments.
Talk with your doctor or nurse before treatment starts to learn what sexual changes or changes to your fertility you may have. Chemotherapy can produce side effects in some but not. Chemotherapy or chemo is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to destroy cancer cells. Different chemotherapy drugs have different short term and long term side effects and certainly not all chemotherapy drugs cause every side effect. Pdf side effects of chemotherapy in cancer patients and. Jul 05, 2016 coping with chemotherapy is easier when you know some practical tips to handle some of the common side effects. Always consult with your doctor or relevant health professional before followingattempting any of the tips and practices that your research uncovers. As chemotherapy treatments target fast growing cancer cells, they also target fast growing healthy cells such as those lining your mouth, throat, stomach and intestines. Most people worry about whether theyll have side effects from chemo, and, if so, what theyll be like. Still, some side effects may take several months or longer to go away completely. Chemotherapy works by stopping or slowing the growth of cancer cells, which grow and divide quickly. Please note, the following should not be treated as medical advice or recommendation.
Side effects of cancer treatment national cancer institute. The survey regarding the side effects of chemotherapy showed that 43% patients were suffering from headache, fatigue 90%, weakness 95%, hair loss 76%, nausea 77%, vomiting 75%, diarrhea 31%. Common side effects include mouth sores, diarrhea and constipation. If you are receiving adjuvant chemotherapy after surgery that removed all of the known cancer, it is not possible for your doctor to directly determine whether the treatment is working because there are no tumors left to assess. Let see some of the common side effects of chemotherapy. Chemotherapy side effects can occur at the time of treatment, after treatment or even sometimes before treatment such as anticipatory nausea and vomiting, a learned response caused by previous associations between treatment conditions and subsequent reactions. Some chemo drugs can damage cells in the heart, kidneys, bladder, lungs, and nervous system. Physicians cancer chemotherapy drug manual 2008 edward chu, md deputy director, yale cancer center chief, section of medical oncology professor of medicine and pharmacology yale university school of medicine new haven, ct vincent t. Often, side effects get better or go away after chemotherapy is. There are more than 100 different chemotherapy drugs which cause different general side effects such as bone marrow suppression, leucopenia appears the 10th day of the chemotherapeutic course while thrombocytopenia after 1014 days, anemia not a common adverse effect of chemotherapy, and hair loss common manifestation of chemotherapy.
Side effects are not always as bad as you might expect, but many people worry about this part of cancer treatment. Order free national cancer institute publications nci. Theres the risk of longlasting effects that may develop even years after the treatment, depending on the type of chemotherapy. Find out more about the general side effects of chemotherapy drugs. Most side effects of chemotherapy subside when treatment is over. The side effects vary depending on the drugs used, and they also vary from one individual to. What are the short and long term side effects of chemotherapy. Some people experience nausea and vomiting side effects from chemotherapy within the first few hours of receiving chemotherapy. Not all people with nonsmall cell lung cancer nsclc will need chemo, but depending on the cancers stage and other factors, chemo may be recommended in. Apr 22, 2017 side effects of chemotherapy for cancer cure cancer. What are side effects of chemotherapy for colorectal cancer. While chemotherapy is focused on destroying lung cancer cells it can also interferes with the production of the three types of blood cells.
However, one of the most disturbing findings of recent studies of cancer survivors is the apparent prevalence of chemotherapy associated adverse neurological effects, including vascular complications, seizures, mood disorders, cognitive dysfunctions, and peripheral neuropathies1,2,3. Click the drug name to learn how it works and common side effects. Chemotherapy does not have to cause side effects in order to be effective against cancer cells. They tend to gradually improve once treatment stops and the normal, healthy cells recover. Chemotherapy for either small cell or nonsmall cell lung cancer tends to be fairly aggressive and can produce some difficult side effects. Side effects of chemo and radiation varies from person to person. Chemotherapy can cause unpleasant side effects, although many can be treated or prevented, and most will pass once your treatment stops. Side effects are problems that occur when treatment affects healthy tissues or organs. Chemotherapy side effects vomiting, hair loss, nerve damage. It depends on the type and amount of chemotherapy you get and how your body reacts. Side effects from many drugs are too severe to give treatment every day. Patients expectations about effects of chemotherapy for. One newer approach to limiting side effects and increasing effectiveness uses a variety of molecularly targeted drugs. Most chemotherapy side effects cease after treatment.
For some people chemotherapy can cause long term changes in the body months or years after treatment. Before you start chemotherapy, a doctor, a nurse or pharmacist will tell you about the medicines you will get and the side effects you may have. You may have none, some, or all of these, or you may have side effects not listed here. Chemotherapy affects all cells that grow and divide quickly in the body. Most chemotherapy side effects go away shortly after youve finished chemotherapy. This includes cancer cells and normal cells, such as the new blood cells in the bone marrow or the cells in the mouth, stomach, skin, hair and reproductive organs.
Chemotherapy chemo is treatment with anticancer drugs that may be injected into a vein or taken by mouth. You may worry about the side effects of chemotherapy. Your reaction to chemotherapy will vary depending on the drug, the dose, the combination, and the schedule in which its given. This page tells you about the side effects that they may cause. Plus, side effects like nausea, vomiting, and mouth sores might put you off. Cancer treatments and cancer can cause side effects. However, it can also harm healthy cells, which causes side effects. The side effects depend on a number of factors, including the cancer type, the type and amount of cancer drugs used and patient characteristics for example, age, gender, overall health and wellbeing.
Most side effects go away on their own or can be treated, but some side effects may last a long time or become permanent. The navigating care library includes articles about cancer, chemotherapy regimens and drugs from the. For many people, side effects from chemotherapy lessen or go away completely after chemotherapy is stopped. Side effects of cancer treatment targeted therapies these may use the bodys immune system to destroy cancer cells. This is the treatment of choice for focal and localized lesions. Side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy in cancer. Coping with chemotherapy side effects cancer treatment. Side effects of chemotherapy include illness and infection, bleeding easily, hair loss, and nausea or vomiting. Having a dpd deficiency could make the side effects of the chemotherapy drugs fluorouracil and capecitabine worse. Ask what birth control methods you or your partner should use. It covers basic information about chemotherapy, what patients can expect, side effects you may have during chemotherapy, tips for managing side effects, and questions to ask the doctor or nurse. This means that hair on your head and anywhere on your body may fall out.
Heres a list of many of the common side effects, but its unlikely youll have all of these. What are side effects from chemotherapy to treat lung cancer. Often, side effects get better or go away after chemotherapy is over. Side effects of cancer treatment macmillan cancer support. Managing chemotherapy side effects hair loss alopecia it may help to join a support group to talk with others whose hair has fallen out during cancer treatment. Following is a list of chemotherapy side effects categories, symptoms within each category, and links to additional side effects information. Sometimes a short stay in hospital is necessary if it is a longer or more complex chemotherapy treatment. Fever, nausea feeling sick, which is available on our website.
In general, chemotherapy damages cells that are dividing, so the parts of the body where normal cells divide frequently are likely to be affected by chemotherapy. Managing chemotherapy side effects sexual and fertility changes in women chemotherapy can harm an unborn baby fetus. Even though side effects are different for every person, common ones include fatigue, nausea and vomiting, hair loss, loss of appetite, and diarrhea. What are the possible side effects of chemotherapy. Medicines or drugs that destroy cancer cells are called cancer chemotherapy chemo. Jan 27, 2020 lisa fayed is a freelance medical writer, cancer educator and patient advocate. Harming cancer and healthy cells chemotherapy drugs are often called anticancer drugs, due to their ability to kill growing cancer cells and stop them from spreading.
Ask your doctor which side effects he or she needs to. The side effects you may get will depend on the type and dose of chemotherapy you get. As cancer treatment works to get rid of the cancer, the resulting side effects can often be hard to manage. Information collected included chemotherapy related side effects after last chemotherapy experience, the most worrisome side effects, the side effects overlooked by healthcare professionals and the preferred method, amount and source of receiving related information. Often, chemotherapy is associated more with its widelyknown side effects than it is its effectiveness in treating cancer.
Doctors call this reaction acute nausea and vomiting. But many types of chemotherapy given today are easier to tolerate than they were in the past. Side effects are caused when the chemotherapy damages rapidly dividing healthy cells. The cancer society has an information sheet, coping with the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatment. There are more than 100 different chemotherapy drugs. Oct 25, 2012 chemotherapy remains the primary treatment approach for patients with metastatic lung or colorectal cancer. Doru paul, md, is boardcertified in internal medicine, medical oncology, and hematology. When you and your doctor are deciding on a chemotherapy regimen, weighing the benefits versus the side effects is part of the process.
Most people undergoing chemotherapy chemo will have chemo side effects. Sideeffects of chemotherapy according to this study the most frequently reported side effects were weakness 95%, fatigue 90%, nausea 77%, hair loss 76% and vomiting 75%. These side effects occur because chemotherapy kills fastgrowing and fastdividing cells, which includes cancer cells, but also includes healthy cells that have high rates of growth and division, such as cells of the hair. Doctors usually give these drugs with breaks, so you have time to rest and recover before the next treatment. Pdf perception of chemotherapy side effects cancer. Not everyone experience chemotherapy side effects the same way.
Chemotherapy can cause fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, bowel issues such as constipation or diarrhoea, hair loss, mouth sores, skin and nail problems. Your doctor or nurse will tell you about specific side effects of your. Anemia low red blood cell counts nausea and vomiting. Or you might receive chemotherapy for as long as it works.
Many people experience side effects from chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is usually given during the day as an outpatient in a hospital or treatment centre. Chemotherapy often causes side effects, such as fatigue, nausea and mouth sores. These drugs travel through the bloodstream and reach most parts of the body.
Understanding chemotherapy cancer council australia. Learn more about 10 of the most common side effects, and how to combat them here. Chemotherapy is often given for a specific time, such as 6 months or a year. It works by killing the cancer cells, stopping them from spreading, or slowing their growth. Chemotherapy differs from surgery or radiation in that it treats the whole body.
More specifically, this therapy is administered to destruct cancer cells. Here are some of the more common side effects caused by chemotherapy. Chemotherapy cancer merck manuals consumer version. Chemotherapy is one of the primary treatments for cancer. Chemotherapy and side effects the term chemotherapy, although often associated with cancer treatment, simply refers to chemical therapy. Nonsmall cell lung cancer chemotherapy chemo side effects. Managing chemotherapy side effects national cancer institute. Managing chemotherapy side effects cancer council nsw.
The side effects of chemotherapy generally depend on the type of therapy being offered. These may include damage to your heart, lungs, nerve endings, kidneys, or reproductive organs. General side effects of chemotherapy can happen when chemotherapy is given for any type of cancer. Chemotherapy can make food taste bitter or metallic, which wont exactly make you want to sit down to a hearty meal. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy, are included with lots of side effects in it. Chemotherapy side effect relief naturally integrative. The side effects of chemotherapy depend largely on the specific chemotherapy drugs you are receiving, and sometimes on the dose and schedule of the treatments. Managing side effects of chemotherapy resource guide there is always the possibility that chemotherapy may cause some side effects. Other patients dont feel symptoms the day of chemotherapy but may develop nausea and vomiting during the next few days. The side effects of chemotherapy cancer center everyday. Managing chemotherapy side effects appetite changes what are appetite changes. Sometimes late side effects develop months or years after chemotherapy.
Usually chemotherapy is combined with other forms of therapy, like surgery, radiation, or biologic therapies. Its difficult to predict what side effects youll get. The normal cells most likely to be damaged by chemo are. Although a single chemotherapy drug may be effective against some types of cancer, often doctors give several chemotherapy drugs at the same time combination chemotherapy. However, understanding and preparing for these side effects with the help of an experienced medical team can improve your chemotherapy treatment experience. With each side effect listed, there are suggestions on how to describe them to your doctor. Speak up about any side effects you have, or changes you notice, so your health care team can treat or help you to reduce these side effects.
Side effects of chemotherapy among cancer patients in a. About side effects of chemotherapy cancer in general. Perception of chemotherapy side effects cancer versus noncancer patients. Managing chemotherapy side effects everyday health. Apart from treating the disease, it even destroys your normal health which can be bad for future references. Chemotherapy side effects and prevention verywell health. Contact your local cancer society or phone the cancer information helpline 0800 cancer 226 237 for advice on relaxation programmes. Learn the side effects you might face and how you can handle them. They often hear about how terrible chemotherapy side. When chemotherapy damages normal cells, this causes side effects. Side effects of chemotherapy cancer in general cancer. Side effects of chemotherapy in cancer patients and. Many people feel concerned about the side effects of chemotherapy, but most side effects are temporary and they can often be controlled or reduced.
Side effects of chemotherapy canadian cancer society. Dry mouth and mouth sores that form on the tongue, lips, gums, or in the throat can make it difficult to chew and swallow. Chemotherapy treatment for cancer can cause side effects, but you can reduce them. Side effects of chemotherapy cancer council victoria. The information below describes side effects that might be caused by traditional or standard chemotherapy. Cancer cells tend to grow fast, and chemo drugs kill fastgrowing cells. Sometimes, chemotherapy causes longterm side effects that dont go away. However, it may also include some antibiotics along with other medications for treating severe infection or illness. Here are some common side effects of cancer treatment and some ways you can deal with them. Because everyone is different, its hard to know what your particular experience will be like. Apr 29, 2016 when you undergo chemotherapy for breast cancer, your oncologist lists all of the possible side effects you might experience, from nausea to mouth sores to loss of hair these are temporary side. Chemotherapy is a widely used treatment for cancer. Jun 06, 2016 side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. White blood cells help you fight infections anemia, caused by a low number of red blood cells.
Support for people with cancer chemotherapy and you is a booklet for people who are undergoing chemotherapy for cancer. People with cancer are often concerned with what chemotherapy side effects are going to occur during their treatment. But it can also harm healthy cells that divide quickly, such as those that line your mouth and intestines or cause your hair to grow. Advice for managing the side effects of chemotherapy. Currently, two avenues of chemotherapy are considered in this context. Many patients undergoing cancer treatment will experience chemotherapy side effects. Each of these side effects was experienced by more than 70% of the patients. There are also other drugs that are used to treat cancer in different ways, including targeted therapy, hormone therapy, and immunotherapy. While chemotherapy fights your cancer, the drugs you take can affect how you feel. You may have a lot of side effects, some, or none at all. Other normal cells in your body are also rapidly dividing such as those in your mouth, blood, intestinal tract, hair and nails. It can also harm healthy cells that divide quickly, such as those that line your mouth and intestines or cause your hair to grow. Some of the most common side effects of chemotherapy affect digestion. The surgeon, who in the past was performing solo in the treatment of patients with cancer, has now become part of a team of players working together in a complex programme of multimodal anticancer therapies.
Most side effects are shortterm and can be managed. Although uncommon, some treatments may produce longterm effects. Chemotherapy destroys rapidly dividing cells, such as cancer cells. Two common changes you may notice are feeling less hungry and finding that some foods may taste different. Although efficacy has improved over time, chemotherapy is not curative, and the survival benefit that has been seen in clinical trials is usually measured in weeks or months.
211 412 1322 1017 191 1332 1195 1641 1512 1520 834 900 294 831 1083 547 1401 902 942 719 1469 988 193 1614 974 486 214 1002 357 1216 420 457 306 1239 254 1275 401 425 373 603 1190 1208 399 1423 648 1419 892 293