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What Are the Causes of Nausea in Cancer Patients?

Nausea is a symptom that affects numerous cancer patients throughout the various stages of treatment. Whether caused by treatment or the cancer itself, it can make treatment uncomfortable and difficult to manage.

  1. Treatments

    • Radiation treatments and certain chemotherapy drugs can cause irritation to the digestive tract resulting in nausea and vomiting in cancer patients.

    Fluid and Vitamin Imbalances

    • Dehydration and depletion of nutrients and vitamins as a result of treatment or the actual malignancy have direct correlation to causing nausea for those with cancer.

    Anxiety

    • Anxiety and stress can enhance a cancer patient's predisposition to nausea.

    Gender

    • According to the National Cancer Institute, women are at higher risk to suffer nausea as a result of cancer.

    Location

    • Cancer located in the digestive tract, abdomen or head increases the likelihood of nausea, says the Mayo Clinic.

    Pain Medication

    • Accumulation of pain medication can slow mobility of the digestive tract, increasing nausea.

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