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Medication plays an important role in relieving pain caused by cancer and its treatment, but it is not the only option. There are many medication-free ways to help you manage pain. The most successful plans to control pain often combine several methods.

Nausea and vomiting are common and sometimes serious side effects of cancer treatment. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and other cancer treatments can cause nausea and vomiting.

Cancer treatment can affect a person’s skin, hair, and nails. Often, skin problems from cancer treatment are not severe, but they can be uncomfortable and noticeable. Some people may struggle with the visible changes or symptoms caused by a skin condition.

Skin conditions may get better over time, but some may not go away. There are options for managing most skin conditions caused by cancer treatment. Relieving side effects such as skin conditions is an important part of cancer care and treatment. This is called palliative care or supportive care.

Dry mouth is also called "xerostomia." It happens when the body's salivary glands do not make enough saliva, or spit, to keep the mouth moist. Saliva is needed for chewing, swallowing, tasting, and talking. A dry mouth can make these activities difficult or uncomfortable.

Some symptoms of cancer treatment make it difficult to eat certain foods. These may include:

• Pain in the mouth

• Stiffness or pain in the jaw muscles

• Problems with the teeth

Work with your health care team to manage difficulty chewing. Otherwise, you may avoid certain foods or eat smaller portions. This can keep you from getting enough calories and nutrients.

Difficulty swallowing is called dysphagia. It means having trouble passing food or liquid down the throat. Some people may gag, cough, or choke when trying to swallow. Others may feel like food is stuck in their throat.

Causes of swallowing problems

One cause is cancer, especially in the mouth, throat, or esophagus. Cancer growing in these parts of the body may narrow these passages.

Difficulty swallowing also happens after some cancer treatments:

• Radiation therapy

• Surgery

• Chemotherapy, less commonly

Since the signing of the National Cancer Act in 1971, major milestones have been reached in the care and treatment of people with cancer. This progress reflects advances in every area of cancer care: prevention, screening, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, surgery, radiation therapy, and supportive care for side effects.

Cancer during pregnancy is uncommon. Cancer itself rarely affects the growing fetus (unborn baby). When it does happen, cancer during pregnancy can be more complex to diagnose and treat. This is because tests to diagnose cancer and treatments can affect the fetus, so each step in your medical care will be done carefully. It is important to work with a health care team that has experience treating cancer in pregnancy. Learn more about finding an oncologist.

Cancer care and treatment can be expensive. And many people have unplanned expenses related to their care.

Finances can be a source of stress and anxiety, and the topic may feel overwhelming. Sometimes, costs keep people from completing cancer treatment. This increases health risks. It may also lead to more expenses in the future.