Cancer Treatments and Side Effects
1. Surgery
Purpose: To remove cancerous tumors or affected tissues.
Common Side Effects:
- Pain at the surgery site
- Fatigue
- Risk of infection
- Swelling or bruising
- Scar formation
2. Chemotherapy
Purpose: To kill fast-growing cancer cells using drugs.
Common Side Effects:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Hair loss
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Increased risk of infection (low white blood cells)
- Mouth sores
- Anemia
3. Radiation Therapy
Purpose: To destroy or damage cancer cells using high-energy radiation.
Common Side Effects:
- Skin irritation (like sunburn)
- Fatigue
- Hair loss (in the treated area)
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea (especially for abdominal treatment)
- Difficulty swallowing (if chest/neck is treated)
4. Immunotherapy
Purpose: To boost the body’s natural defenses to fight cancer.
Common Side Effects:
- Flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, fatigue)
- Skin rash
- Inflammation (lungs, liver, intestines)
- Risk of autoimmune reactions
5. Targeted Therapy
Purpose: To target specific genes, proteins, or the tissue environment that helps cancer grow.
Common Side Effects:
- Diarrhea
- Liver problems (elevated enzymes)
- Skin problems (rash, dry skin)
- Blood pressure changes
- Fatigue
6. Hormone Therapy
Purpose: To block hormones that fuel certain cancers like breast or prostate.
Common Side Effects:
- Hot flashes
- Mood changes
- Fatigue
- Sexual dysfunction
- Bone thinning (osteoporosis)
7. Stem Cell Transplant
Purpose: To restore blood-forming stem cells after high-dose chemotherapy or radiation.
Common Side Effects:
- Increased infection risk
- Mouth sores
- Nausea and vomiting
- Graft-versus-host disease (if donor cells are used)
Managing Side Effects
- Anti-nausea medications
- Proper nutrition and hydration
- Physical activity (as tolerated)
- Emotional support (counseling, support groups)
- Regular follow-ups with your healthcare team
