Side Effects of Cancer Treatment

Cancer treatments and cancer can cause side effects. Side effects are problems that occur when treatment affects healthy tissues or organs. Speak up about any problems you have. Your health care team can treat and/or talk with you about ways to reduce these side effects, so you feel better.

Learn about steps you can take to prevent or manage the side effects listed below:

• Anemia
• Ascites
• Bleeding and Bruising (Thrombocytopenia)
• Bowel Obstruction
• Cachexia
• Constipation
• Delirium
• Diarrhea
• Edema (Swelling)
• Fatigue
• Fertility Issues in Females
• Fertility Issues in Males
• Flu-Like Symptoms
• Hair Loss (Alopecia)
• Infection and Neutropenia
• Lymphedema
• Memory or Concentration Problems
• Mouth and Throat Problems
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Nerve Problems (Peripheral Neuropathy)
• Nutrition Problems
• Organ-Related Inflammation and Immunotherapy
• Pain
• Radiation Enteritis
• Radiation Proctitis
• Sexual Health Issues in Men
• Sexual Health Issues in Women
• Skin and Nail Changes
• Sleep Problems
• Urinary and Bladder Problems
• Weight Changes and Malnutrition

Keep in mind that side effects vary from person to person, even among people receiving the same type of cancer treatment.