Managing Side Effects

Because cancer cells grow and divide rapidly, many anti-cancer treatments (including chemotherapy and radiation) are made to kill fast-growing cells. But certain normal, healthy cells also grow quickly and treatments can affect these cells, too. When it does, side effects may result. The fast-growing, normal cells most likely to be affected are blood cells forming in the bone marrow, cells in the digestive track, reproductive system and hair follicles. Side effects are also very unique to the type of treatment a cancer patient is receiving. He or she may experience none, some or many problems in this section, depending on that person’s treatment, his or her individual reaction to the treatment and the patient’s overall health status. Most normal cells recover quickly when treatment is over, so most side effects gradually disappear after treatment ends. The time it takes to recover varies from person to person.

When cancer patients are undergoing cancer therapy treatments, they need to take care of themselves to support the effectiveness of treatment and minimize side effects.

The aim of the information in this section is to help them manage the more common problems or side effects that may occur while under a physician’s care during treatment.

This information is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Cancer patients should always seek the advice of their personal physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment.