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Cancer Chemo Effects

Chemotherapy uses chemical agents to fight cancer. However, these chemical agents can also damage other fast-growing cells in the body, which leads to unpleasant effects. These effects vary from patient to patient.

  1. Fatigue

    • Fatigue, or extreme tiredness, is one of the most common effects of chemotherapy. It can also be one of the most debilitating.

    Hair Loss

    • Some chemotherapy drugs cause hair loss. Hair can become brittle and break off, or it can simply drop out of the hair follicle.

    Diarrhea

    • Diarrhea is the passage of loose, watery, frequent stools. About three-quarters of chemotherapy patients will experience diarrhea, which can become serious if it causes malnutrition or dehydration.

    Heart Damage

    • Some chemotherapy drugs, especially anthracyclines, can damage the heart. Signs of heart problems include swelling in the feet and hands, dizziness, dry cough and irregular heartbeat.

    Nervous System Changes

    • Chemotherapy can affect the brain, spinal cord and nerves. As a result, patients may experience visual problems, headaches, dry mouth or seizures.

    Bone Marrow Damage

    • Chemotherapy can damage bone marrow, which produces red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Consequently, patients will bruise and bleed easily and be more susceptible to infections.

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