Download Cancer Treatment Side Effects - Mount Carmel College of Nursing

Cancer Treatment
Side Effects
Treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy are used to destroy cancer cells in the body. Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer medications, usually delivered directly into the bloodstream. Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams that are directed at the site of the cancerous tumor.
Cancer cells grow and divide more quickly than healthy cells. Cancer treatments are made to work on these fast-growing cells. Certain normal, healthy cells also multiply fast, which is why radiation and chemotherapy can affect those cells and cause side effects. The normal cells most likely to be affected by cancer treatments are:
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Blood cells forming in the bone marrow, such as white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets.
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Cells lining the digestive tract, which includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, and intestines.
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Hair follicles, the points on the scalp where new hair begins to grow.
The side effects you have and how severe they are depend on your treatments and how your body reacts to them. Your doctor will discuss the side effects that you are most likely to experience. Some of the most common side effects of cancer treatments are:
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Fatigue
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Pain 
Diarrhea 
Nausea and vomiting 
Constipation
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Hair loss (alopecia)
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Mouth, gum and throat discomfort and/or sores
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Skin and nail problems, which may include rashes, redness, itching, peeling, dryness, acne, and increased sensitivity to the sun
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Anemia – too few red blood cells. Body tissues do not get enough oxygen to do their work.
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Neutropenia – too few white blood cells. This may make it hard for your body to fight some infections.
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Bleeding problems – too few platelets. This may make you prone to easy bruising and bleeding.
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Depression or feeling distressed
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Managing Your Side Effects
Great progress has been made in preventing and treating some of the common side effects of chemotherapy and radiation. Doctors and nurses will watch and check you closely during your treatments to prevent and treat side effects.
Keeping a journal may be helpful when dealing with side effects. Write down when side effects occur and note anything that triggers them or makes them better. This will help you and your doctor manage your side effects.
There are many more resources to help you deal with the side effects of cancer treatments. Be sure to talk with your doctor and nurse and let them know exactly how you are feeling throughout your cancer treatments and follow-up care. Rev. 12/07, 11/10, 3/13 \\mcehemcshare\Netit Patient Education$\Mount Carmel Handouts\Cancer\Treatment Side Effects\Cancer Treatment Side Effects - English .doc
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