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Effects of Chemotherapy

Updated: 9/18/2019
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For patients with cancer, a doctor will often prescribe chemotherapy as a means of trying to put the disease into remission. In simple terms, chemotherapy consists of a type of drug treatment that kills fast-growing cells in the body using powerful chemicals. There are several different chemotherapy drugs on the market, and sometimes they are used alone, while other times they are used in combination with other chemotherapy drugs. Though many types of cancer can be treated with chemotherapy, the side effects of chemotherapy are numerous. Some of the side effects are relatively mild and can be managed easily, while others are more severe and, in some cases, can lead to major complications.

During chemotherapy treatment, it is common for patients to experience a number of side effects. Because there are different types of chemotherapy medication, the effects may vary slightly, but the most commonly experienced problems include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, hair loss, loss of appetite, fatigue, fever, pain, mouth sores, constipation, and easy bruising. Thankfully, such effects of chemotherapy are generally mild and can be managed with additional medication. Most of these side effects also tend to clear up once treatment ends.

Chemotherapy can also cause a number of side effects that develop following treatment and those that last beyond the treatment period. Some of these effects may not become apparent until several months or even years after the initial treatment. These side effects include heart problems, infertility, lung damage, kidney problems, nerve damage, and risk of a second cancer.

When undergoing chemotherapy, it is important to discuss all possible temporary and long lasting side effects with your doctor. Your doctor can also tell you what warning signs to look for in the future that could be indicative of a major problem caused by chemotherapy. A doctor can also help you to prepare yourself to deal with any of the possible side effects of chemotherapy. For example, clearing up any existing infections can help to reduce the probability of experiencing major side effects. Your doctor may also advice you to undergo various testing prior to beginning chemotherapy treatment to ensure that your body is strong enough to handle the medication.

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Where can I find more information on the effects of chemotherapy?

You can visit www.cancer.org for more information on chemotherapy side effects.


Where can I find information about the effects of chemotherapy?

You can find information on the side effects of chemotherapy by visiting www.cancer.org. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned.


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What are the long-term side effects of chemothrapy?

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What are the side effects of chemotherapy?

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