Subscribe to Cancer.Net Features: Side Effects using RSS© 2005-2012 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). All rights reserved worldwide.
Side Effects
Read articles about the side effects of cancer and cancer treatment, as well as some ways to cope with side effects.
April 4, 2013
While you are coping with the physical, emotional, and social challenges associated with a diagnosis of cancer, it can be easy to ignore other chronic (long-lasting) medical conditions you may have, such as diabetes or heart disease. However, the way you manage these conditions often influences the success of your cancer treatment plan
March 22, 2013
The goal of radiation therapy (also referred to as radiotherapy) is to eliminate cancerous tumors within the body without destroying the surrounding healthy tissue. However, undesired side effects may accompany even the most precise therapy. Many unwanted symptoms of radiation therapy are controlled or relieved with medications, diet, and stretching/exercise, and many problems disappear when treatments are completed.
February 20, 2013
Today, many cancer drugs are available in pill form, which means patients can often take some of their treatment at home, rather than in a doctor's office or cancer center. This can provide such time-saving benefits as reduced travel and fewer doctor appointments. However, it also can be challenging for these patients to stay on the prescribed medication schedule for their at-home treatment plan.
December 13, 2012
Cancer and its treatment can sometimes cause a type of swelling called lymphedema. Most often, lymphedema affects the arms and legs, particularly in patients treated for breast or genitourinary cancers, but it can occur in other parts of the body, including the head and neck.
November 9, 2012
This is the third article in a three-part series, and it describes side effects of chemotherapy. Other articles in this series provide an overview of chemotherapy—including the various types—and address what to expect before, during, and after treatment.
November 8, 2012
Many people look forward to the winter season. But when the temperature drops, people living with cancer need to take some extra health precautions.
October 31, 2012
As you prepare to start cancer treatment, it is normal to fear the unexpected and worry that treatment will be difficult. In fact, fearing treatment-related side effects is common after a diagnosis of cancer. However, it may help to know that preventing and controlling side effects is an important priority for your health care team. Don't be afraid to talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to learn the facts about your situation, including which side effects you may or may not experience and what options you have for managing them. A little information can go a long way toward easing your mind and helping you prepare for what lies ahead.
September 19, 2012
People living with cancer often are at a higher risk of infections, such as influenza, or the "flu." This risk is due to cancer and cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, which weaken the immune system. The flu is a common, contagious illness that is caused by influenza viruses and affects the respiratory system (the organs involved in breathing).
August 23, 2012
Some men who receive treatment for prostate cancer experience one or more side effects depending on the type of treatment they receive, including incontinence (the inability to control urination), bowel problems, impotence (the inability to get an erection), infertility (the inability to father a child), hormonal changes, and chemotherapy-related side effects.Talk with your doctor to learn more about your risk of side effects before starting treatment, and let your doctor know which side effects you experience once treatment begins.
August 23, 2012
A growing area of cancer research, called cancer genome research, compares genes found in tumors and genes found in healthy tissue in order to understand how these genes differ and which ones are important. To do this, researchers collect samples from all types of tumors to find out a tumor’s genetic “fingerprint” and then compare it to the fingerprints of healthy tissue from the same person. Different genes are involved in different tumor types, and understanding what genes are important to the development of cancer may lead to improvements in detecting, diagnosing, and treating cancer.