Cancer side effects

Find information here about common side effects that can be caused by cancer and cancer-related treatment

Many people with cancer experience side effects that can be caused by cancer and/or cancer treatment. The types and level of side effects you may experience will depend on the type of treatment you have and may vary from person to person. Side effects can be physical or emotional.

Cancer treatments which commonly cause side effects include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy but they can occur with any treatment.

It can take time to get over the side effects of cancer and treatment even when treatment comes to an end. Some side effects go away quickly while others can take weeks, months or even years to improve. Every person’s experience will be different so it is important not to compare yourself with others even if they had the same treatment.

Some of the more common side effects are outlined below.

Breast prostheses and reconstruction

Treatment for breast cancer often involves surgery. This can be either breast-conserving surgery or a mastectomy, which involves the removal of the whole breast. Before or after a mastectomy you may consider a breast prosthesis or reconstruction.

Changes in thinking and memory

Some people diagnosed with cancer notice changes in the way they think and with their memory. Cancer-related cognitive impairment (“chemo brain”) can occur before, during and after treatment but there are some things you can do to cope.

Fatigue

Fatigue is a common side effect of cancer and cancer treatments. It is different to just being tired and affects people in different ways. However, there are way to manage it.

Fertility

Cancer and cancer treatment can affect a person’s ability to conceive or maintain a pregnancy. If you are concerned about how your fertility may be affected, talk to your doctor before treatment begins.

Hair loss

Hair loss is a possible side effect from cancer treatments. However, hair loss is usually temporary and there are ways of managing it.

Mouth health

Chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery, or a combination of treatments can cause side effects that affect the mouth area. Most changes are gradual and improve and disappear with treatment and can be managed.

Peripheral neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that can occur as a result of cancer treatment and can cause symptoms such as numbness, tingling or pain. There are ways to manage these symptoms.

Sexuality and intimacy

Cancer and cancer treatments can change your body and how you feel about yourself and this can affect your relationships and sex life. There are ways to adapt to any physical and emotional changes you experience.

Taste and smell changes

Some cancer treatments may change the taste or smell of food. This can affect how you enjoy food and potentially affect your nutritional health. There are ways of managing this and making food more appealing.

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