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Side Effects
Read articles about the side effects of cancer and cancer treatment, as well as some ways to cope with side effects.
August 23, 2012
Food safety is important for people who are receiving or recovering from cancer treatment. Cancer and cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation treatment, and bone marrow/stem cell transplants, can weaken the immune system, making it harder for your body to fight infection.
July 23, 2012
Cancer and cancer treatments may cause side effects that require the immediate attention of your doctor and health care team. In this article, learn about the signs and symptoms of infections, deep vein thrombosis (a potentially life-threatening blood clot), and tumor lysis syndrome (a condition that can cause organ failure)—all of which require an immediate call to your doctor.
May 2, 2012
Summertime brings sun, heat, and outdoor activities, but it can also present challenging health and lifestyle issues for people living with cancer. This article provides important information about sun exposure, heat and dehydration, hot flashes, exercise, wigs, and custom-made swimsuits and caps.
February 12, 2012
Although medication often plays an important role in relieving pain related to cancer or cancer treatments, several additional self-care and support options are available. Using a combination of methods is often the most successful approach to pain management. This article describes medication-free ways of relieving pain.
February 12, 2012
Many people don't know that nearly all cancer pain can be treated or managed. This article describes cancer pain and provides an overview of ways to manage and treat this pain.
October 11, 2011
Cancer and cancer treatments may change your appearance and how you feel about yourself. One resource, the Look Good…Feel Better program, can help you restore your appearance to boost how you feel about yourself.
October 10, 2011
Many women experience physical and emotional changes as result of a mastectomy. This article provides an overview of issues women often face after a mastectomy.
April 21, 2011
Peripheral neuropathy is a disorder that occurs when nerves in your body's peripheral nervous system (outside the brain and spinal cord) are damaged. Peripheral nerves carry information back and forth between the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and the rest of the body. Depending on which nerves are affected, a patient can develop symptoms related to a change in sensation (numbness, tingling, or pain), muscle function (weakness), and organ function (constipation or dizziness).
April 20, 2011
Lymphedema is an abnormal buildup of fluid (lymph) that causes swelling, usually in the arms and legs. Lymph is the fluid that carries immune cells (mostly lymphocytes) and proteins found in the blood throughout the body. It is similar to a "highway" for your immune system. Lymph nodes are tiny, bean-shaped organs that fight infection. They can be compared to "rest stops" for your immune cells. Sometimes they are also referred to as filters. Any treatment--such as radiation therapy or surgery--that stops or slows the drainage of the lymph nodes under the arm increases the risk of lymphedema. This article discusses lymphedema caused by surgery and/or radiation therapy for breast cancer.
April 14, 2011
Lymphedema is commonly thought of as swelling of the arm that can occur after breast cancer treatment. However, this condition can affect both men and women who are treated for other types of cancer, as well. Besides the arm, lymphedema most often involves the lower extremity — the leg.