Key points about side effects

Chemotherapy can help treat cancer, but it may also cause side effects

Why side effects occur

Many people have side effects from chemotherapy. Side effects are caused when the chemotherapy drugs damage healthy, fast-growing cells.

How long do side effects last?

Most side effects are temporary and gradually improve after you have finished treatment. At times, changes may not appear for months or years after treatment.

What are the common side effects?

• Chemotherapy can affect the blood, causing anaemia. It can also increase the risk of infections by reducing your levels of white blood cells, which help fight infections. The level of platelets in the blood may also be affected, which can cause bleeding problems.
• Chemotherapy can cause nerve and muscle problems, fatigue, hair loss, appetite changes, nausea and vomiting, and bowel issues such as constipation or diarrhoea.
• You may have trouble concentrating or remembering things. You may also develop mouth sores and have skin and nail changes.
• Chemotherapy can affect how you feel about yourself, your interest in sex (libido) and your fertility.
• If you may want to have children in the future, talk to your doctor before treatment starts.

How are side effects managed?

• Your treatment team will suggest ways to manage any side effects. You may be prescribed medicine or given suggestions for eating, drinking and looking after yourself.
• If you have any side effects that weren’t discussed with you before treatment, or if you feel concerned, let your treatment team know.

→ READ MORE: Blood-related side effects