What Are The Side Effects Of Chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy is a cornerstone in cancer treatment—but it can cause several side effects because it targets rapidly dividing cells, both healthy and cancerous. Knowing what to expect helps patients and caregivers manage the journey better.
Chemotherapy is one of the most popular cancer treatment modalities, yet many patients and caregivers remain concerned about its side effects. This article provides accurate insights into what to expect during chemotherapy.
Major Side Effects Of Chemotherapy
The medically confirmed major side effects include:
Hair Loss: One of the most well-known side effects. Chemotherapy can cause hair loss on the scalp, eyelashes, eyebrows, and body. Severity varies by drug and dosage.
Fatigue: A common feeling of constant tiredness due to chemotherapy affecting healthy cells, especially in bone marrow.
Nausea/Vomiting: Ranges from mild to severe. Patients are advised to avoid caffeine and smoking. Sucking on hard candy or popsicles may help.
Immunosuppression: Chemotherapy lowers white blood cell count, increasing susceptibility to infections.
Anaemia: Reduced red blood cell count leads to anaemia. Doctors may prescribe erythropoiesis-stimulating agents like Epoetin Alfa or Darbepoetin Alfa.
Other Side Effects Of Chemotherapy
Additional possible side effects include:
Loss of appetite
Constipation or diarrhoea
Pain while swallowing
Muscle numbness, tingling, or pain
Skin and nail changes
Weight changes or loss
“Chemo brain” – loss of concentration
Mood changes
Loss of libido or sexual function
Fertility issues
Oral ulcers
Malnutrition
Hand, Foot and Mouth Syndrome
Skin discoloration (especially with Taxanes)
Kidney problems (e.g., elevated creatinine from Cisplatin)
Hearing issues (Cisplatin)
Liver toxicity (Taxanes)
Cardiomyopathy (Doxorubicin)
Skin/vein damage from extravasation (Doxorubicin)
Lung toxicity (Bleomycin)
What Causes These Side Effects?
Chemotherapy is not highly targeted. It affects rapidly dividing cells—including cancer cells, bone marrow cells, hair follicles, and cells in the digestive and reproductive systems—leading to side effects.
Conflict With Other Medications
Chemotherapy can interact with other drugs. For example, combining chemo with blood thinners like aspirin may cause severe bleeding due to low platelet counts. Always disclose all medications, supplements, and herbal remedies to your oncologist before starting treatment.
Emergency Signs (When To Call Your Doctor)
While side effects are common, some require urgent attention:
Severe, unexplained bruising or bleeding
Consistent high fever (>100°F)
Intense chills
Rashes or allergic reactions with severe itching
Swelling of the throat or mouth
Pain at chemo or catheter site
Intense headaches
Shortness of breath
Prolonged diarrhoea or vomiting
Blood in stool or urine
Chemotherapy is a cornerstone in cancer treatment—but it can cause several side effects because it targets rapidly dividing cells, both healthy and cancerous. Knowing what to expect helps patients and caregivers manage the journey better.