Some other common side effects of chemotherapy may include hearing problems, watery eyes and body odours.
Learn more about:
Changes in hearing
Your doctor may recommend that you have a hearing test before you start treatment, and this may be repeated before each treatment cycle.
You may be at risk of losing the ability to hear high-pitched sounds. Some types of chemotherapy drugs may also cause a continuous ringing noise in the ears known as tinnitus.
These changes can happen alone or together and are usually temporary. Let your doctor know if you notice any change in your hearing.
Watery eyes
This can be a symptom of a blocked tear duct, which can be caused by some chemotherapy drugs. Massaging the area regularly with a small towel soaked in warm water (compress) and using eye drops can help clear blockages. Let your cancer care team know if this issue is ongoing.
Body odours
Chemotherapy can affect your sense of smell and you may notice that your body odour is unpleasant. Talk to your cancer care team if you are concerned about a change in body odour.
→ READ MORE: Other drug therapies
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A/Prof Kate Mahon, Director of Medical Oncology, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, NSW; Katherine Bell, Dietetics Department, Liverpool Hospital, NSW; Brigitta Leben, Dietetics Department, Liverpool Hospital, NSW; Sophie Michele, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council SA; Dr Jess Smith, Medical Oncologist, Macquarie University Hospital, NSW; Karene Stewart, Consumer; Julie Teraci, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Skin Cancer and Melanoma, Cancer Network WA.
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