Many people with cancer experience side effects that can be caused by cancer and/or cancer treatment. The types and level of side effects you may experience will depend on the type of treatment you have and may vary from person to person. Side effects can be physical or emotional.
Cancer treatments which commonly cause side effects include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy but they can occur with any treatment.
It can take time to get over the side effects of cancer and treatment even when treatment comes to an end. Some side effects go away quickly while others can take weeks, months or even years to improve. Every person’s experience will be different so it is important not to compare yourself with others even if they had the same treatment.
Some of the more common side effects are outlined below.
Breast prostheses and reconstruction
Treatment for breast cancer often involves surgery.
Changes in thinking and memory
Some people diagnosed with cancer notice changes in the way they think and with their memory.
Fatigue
Fatigue is a common side effect of cancer and cancer treatments.
Fertility
Cancer and cancer treatment can affect a person’s ability to conceive or maintain a pregnancy.
Hair loss
Hair loss is a possible side effect from cancer treatments.
Lymphoedema
A potential side effect of cancer treatment.
Mouth health
Chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery, or a combination of treatments can cause side effects that affect the mouth area.
Peripheral neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that can occur as a result of cancer treatment and can cause symptoms such as numbness, tingling or pain.
Sexuality and intimacy
Cancer and cancer treatments can change your body and how you feel about yourself and this can affect your relationships and sex life.
Taste and smell changes
Some cancer treatments can impact your taste and smell.