Chemotherapy side effects

During cancer treatment, you may experience different side effects. These can vary depending on the type of cancer you have, the stage of your cancer and the kind of treatment you are undergoing.

Understanding side effects caused by chemotherapy treatment

While chemotherapy destroys cancer cells, it is the damage to healthy cells that causes many of the common side effects of chemotherapy.

Side effects vary depending on the type of chemotherapy drug used and the individual person.

Most are temporary and can be treated or managed.

Everyone will experience side effects uniquely. It’s important to discuss any side effects you have with your care team so they can help you manage them during your treatment.

Common side effects from chemotherapy

Anaemia

Anaemia is defined as a reduced number of red blood cells in your body or a low haemoglobin level.

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Appetite and taste changes

A change in taste and smell can impact your appetite and as a consequence your food intake.

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Bleeding and low platelets

Thrombocytopenia refers to a reduction in the normal levels of functional platelets, which can increase your risk of bruising and bleeding.

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Constipation

Constipation refers to bowel motions that are too hard, too small, too difficult to expel and too infrequent.

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Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea refers to increased frequency and decreased consistency of bowel motions, which generally last for several days after treatment.

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Feeling emotional

Being diagnosed with cancer and starting treatment can be a very emotional time. Anxiety and depression are common in people affected by cancer.

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Flu-like symptoms

When the body is exposed to certain medications it may trigger an immune system response. This process is similar to the body’s response when dealing with the influenza (commonly known as flu) virus.

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Hair loss (alopecia)

Some chemotherapy drugs and radiation therapy can cause hair loss, ranging from complete to thinning or patchy loss.

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Hand foot syndrome

Hand foot syndrome is a common side effect associated with a number of chemotherapy drugs affecting the skin and sensation on the palms and soles.

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Infection

Cancer and the effects of treatments can increase your risk of infection. Neutropenia is when neutrophils, a type of white blood cell that helps fight infection, are low.

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Infertility

Sometimes cancer and its treatment can affect your fertility, such as your ability to conceive a child or maintain a pregnancy.

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Lymphoedema

Lymphoedema is the swelling of a limb and/or parts of the body caused by the lymphatic system not functioning properly.

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Mouth sores

Mouth sores occur when the lining of the mouth is damaged following chemotherapy or localised radiation therapy.

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Nausea and vomiting

Feeling sick or queasy (nausea) and vomiting (throwing up) is a common problem for people being treated for cancer.

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Peripheral neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy occurs when some chemotherapy drugs cause inflammation or injury to your peripheral nerves, impacting sensation, movement and function.

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Sexual dysfunction

A common concern during your cancer journey is how the disease and treatment will impact your current or future relationships, including your sexuality.

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Skin and nail changes

It’s very common to develop mild to moderate skin and nail reactions as a result of your chemotherapy treatment.

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Managing cancer side effects

Allied health services play a significant role in getting you through treatment and meeting your recovery goals. Find out how they can help you and your family manage treatment side effects.

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