What Are The Side Effects Of Cancer Treatments?

There are many possible cancer treatments. However, patients often wonder what side effects they have. Find out more about this in this article.

Many patients often have questions about different cancer treatments. When looking for professional help with treatment, some people turn to the internet for answers. After exploring the available information, they often have even more questions. For example, they wonder what the different side effects of cancer treatments are.

To answer this question, we must first mention that cancer is a term that refers to a group of diseases. Although all may have common characteristics, most have their own origins and they spread in different ways. These differences therefore mean that certain treatments are better for different types of cancer.

There are variants of cancer treatments, but in this article we will mention the following:

Surgery
Chemotherapy
Radiation therapy

We’ll take a brief look at all three.

The side effects of cancer treatments: cancer surgery

Although most side effects from cancer surgery are related to the organ being operated on and how the surgery was performed, we can still point out some side effects associated with all types of surgery.

Pain

It is common to feel pain in the part of the body that has been operated on. However, the intensity of the pain will depend on the extent of the operation, the body part and the person’s sensitivity to painful stimuli. You can also control the pain with prescription painkillers from your doctor.

Infection in the wound

Surgery involves cutting the skin. These wounds can act as a gateway for microorganisms that are harmful to our health. Infections usually occur within the first few days after surgery.

During an infection, you may experience inflammation, pain and redness around the wound. You may also experience fever or pus. It is important to tell your doctor about any symptoms.

The side effects of cancer treatments: chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is associated with a long list of side effects. Here we will talk about the most common.

Anemia

The vast majority of chemotherapeutic agents have a negative effect on the bone marrow. Furthermore, this causes changes in the cell production of the patient, which can lead to anemia.

Nausea and vomiting

This is actually the most common side effect when it comes to chemotherapy, and affects about 80% of the people who undergo this treatment.

Changes in stool

Chemotherapy causes changes in the body. Some of these changes can take place in the intestines. Depending on the medicine , it can cause diarrhea or constipation.

Hair loss

Contrary to many people’s beliefs, hair loss during chemotherapy will depend on the medicine used. This side effect varies greatly from person to person.

Side effects of cancer treatments: radiation therapy

Radiation therapy has side effects in relation to the amount of radiation received. The side effects can therefore occur in the radiation field. They are also related to the dose received, concomitant treatment and the patient’s sensitivity.

As we have already mentioned, side effects can also depend on where the patient receives the radiation. Fatigue is present in almost all cases, as well as irritations in the skin where the radiation hits. If you receive radiation on your stomach, you may experience changes in your intestines, as well as nausea and vomiting.

Some recent thoughts on the side effects of cancer treatments

The side effects may vary depending on the treatment and the patient receiving it. There are also many other cancer treatments out there, but the most common are still chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy.

Depending on the location, intensity and type of cancer, the side effects will vary. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns regarding the symptoms you are experiencing.