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Cancer Treatments & Side Effects

An overview of cancer treatments — surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted and hormone therapy, transplant — and managing their side effects.

Treatment Options

Surgery

Removes tumors and nearby tissue; often curative for early solid tumors.

Radiation Therapy

High-energy beams destroy cancer cells in a targeted area.

Chemotherapy

Drugs that kill rapidly dividing cells throughout the body.

Immunotherapy

Helps your immune system recognize and fight cancer.

Targeted Therapy

Blocks specific molecules that drive cancer growth.

Hormone Therapy

Slows cancers fueled by hormones, such as breast and prostate.

Stem Cell Transplant

Restores blood-forming cells after high-dose therapy.

Palliative Care

Symptom relief and quality-of-life support at any stage.

Managing Common Side Effects

Side effectWhat helps
Nausea & vomitingModern anti-nausea medicines taken on schedule; small, frequent meals
FatigueLight exercise, sleep routines, treating anemia
Hair lossScalp cooling during some chemotherapy; hair regrows after treatment
Low blood countsGrowth factors, transfusions, infection precautions
Mouth soresGentle oral care, salt-water rinses
Skin reactionsMoisturizers, sun protection, topical treatments

Always Report

  • Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher during chemotherapy
  • Uncontrolled vomiting or diarrhea
  • Shortness of breath or chest pain
  • Signs of bleeding

Medically reviewed content for education only — not a substitute for advice from your oncology team.