The Most Common Chemotherapy Side Effects (& How to Help Minimize Them)

September 12, 2023 by Ann Schreiber News 0 comments

As the number of cancer survivors continues to rise in the United States, thanks to population growth, aging and advances in early detection and treatment, it's important to understand the challenges they face during and after cancer therapy.

Chemotherapy, a crucial tool in cancer treatment, can bring some side effects. In this article, experts delve into both short-term and long-term side effects of chemotherapy and explore ways to ease some of these discomforts for improved quality of life.

Chemotherapy side effects

Chemotherapy is a powerful weapon against cancer, targeting fast-growing cancer cells. However, these drugs don't discriminate, according to the American Cancer Society. They can also affect healthy cells that grow rapidly, leading to various side effects. While the prospect of side effects may be worrisome, they're not always as severe as one might imagine.

Here is a list of the most common side effects of chemotherapy:

Fatigue
Hair loss
Easy bruising and bleeding
Infection
Low red blood cell counts (anemia)
Nausea and vomiting
Appetite changes
Diarrhea and/or constipation
Mouth, tongue and throat problems (e.g., sores and pain when swallowing)
Peripheral neuropathy or other nerve problems (such as numbness, tingling and pain)
Skin and nail changes (dry skin and color changes)
Changes in urinary output
Bladder and kidney problems
Changes in weight
"Chemo brain" (affecting concentration and focus)
Changes in mood
Changes in sexual function and libido
Fertility problems

In rare instances, chemotherapy can lead to additional side effects, including:

Pancreatitis, characterized by inflammation of the pancreas.
Neutropenic enterocolitis, an inflammation of the intestines that is more likely to occur in individuals with neutropenia.
Hemolysis, which results in damage to red blood cells.
Epiphora, or excessive watering of the eyes.
Acneiform eruptions, which manifest as skin conditions resembling acne.

While some of these uncommon side effects may be minor inconveniences, others can potentially be life-threatening.

Long-term side effects of chemotherapy

Many cancer survivors face the possibility of long-term side effects that can emerge months or even years after their treatment has ended. Recognizing and addressing these late effects is critical to cancer survivorship care.

Common late-term effects of chemotherapy, according to the Mayo Clinic, encompass:

Dental problems
Early menopause
Hearing loss, mild to severe
Heart problems
Heightened risk for other cancers
Infertility
Loss of taste
Lung disease
Nerve damage
Memory issues
Osteoporosis
Problems with digestion
Reduced lung capacity

In addition to these, other more specific long-term side effects of chemotherapy, as shared by the American Cancer Society, may include heart problems, high blood pressure, lung issues, endocrine system disruptions, menopausal symptoms, bone, joint and soft tissue problems, brain and nerve complications, learning and memory challenges, vision problems, digestion issues, emotional difficulties, secondary cancers and persistent fatigue.

How to minimize chemotherapy side effects

In a video for Cancer.Net, Dr. Jyoti D. Patel, of Northwestern Medical Group, indicates that recent years have witnessed significant strides in the supportive care provided to patients undergoing chemotherapy. Some drugs can maintain white blood cell counts, reducing the risk of life-threatening infections or treatment delays. Some drugs even combat cancer-related weakness.

Nutrition plays a pivotal role, and anti-nausea medications have improved substantially. To tackle the common chemotherapy-induced nausea, the University of California, San Francisco recommends the following: