Cancer is the abnormal growth of undifferentiated and mutated cells that can cause life-threatening situations. It can be treated through chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy, hormonal therapy, and various other methods. The type of cancer treatment is chosen based on the stage, location, and type of cancer one is diagnosed with. There are a number of cancer treatments that are still under study. Certain methods of treatment can cause undesirable side effects.

Here are some side effects of cancer treatments:

Side effects due to surgery
Pain after surgery. The severity depends on the location and size of the surgical cut.

Fatigue is a common side effect of major surgeries. Fatigue can occur due to:

• The anesthesia supplied to the body before surgery
• Energy used up by the body to help it heal
• Loss of appetite.

Inflammation around the site of surgery. This occurs due to the body’s response to the surgical cut (the body recognizes the cut as a form of injury).

Lymphedema may occur if lymph nodes are removed surgically.

Side effects of chemotherapy
Fatigue is the most common side effect of chemotherapy.

Pain in the head, stomach, etc. The pain can be due to nerve damage in which case shooting pain or a burning sensation occurs in the fingers and toes.

Diarrhea may be a consequence of chemotherapy since the procedure causes loose and watery bowel movements.

Blood disorders such as anemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia.

Nervous system damage can cause tingling, burning, weakness, numbness, clumsiness, loss of balance, achy muscles, trembling, problems in sensory and motor functions, etc.

Hair loss is a definite side effect of chemotherapy. It generally occurs most after the third chemotherapy session.

Sexual and reproductive issues may occur as chemotherapy affects a person’s fertility and sexual drive.

Chemotherapy may also harm a fetus.

Side effects of radiation therapy
Skin problems such as dryness, itching, peeling, and blistering. These problems are temporary and disappear after a few weeks.

A recurrence of the tumor solely due to the radiation applied to the original tumor.

Mouth problems like dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, mouth and gum sores, nausea, and tooth decay.

Chest problems like shortness of breath, nipple soreness, shoulder stiffness, radiation pneumonitis, and radiation fibrosis.

Problems in the pelvis, like diarrhea, rectal bleeding, urinary incontinence, and bladder irritation.

Some men experience erectile dysfunction and reduced sperm count due to radiation therapy.

Women may experience side effects like menopause, vaginal itching, and infertility.

Side effects of immunotherapy
Some side effects due to immunotherapy are listed below:

• Redness, blistering, and dryness
• Skin tissues on the fingertip may crack and break
• The skin may become photosensitive
• The skin around the nails may swell up causing pain
• Flu-like symptoms
• Fatigue, chills, fever, and nausea may occur
• High or low blood pressure may also occur
• Weight gain may occur as a result of fluid retention
• Headaches
• Sinus
• Edema (swelling of legs)
• Muscle aches
• Shortness of breath.

One should stay hydrated, take rest, and consult a doctor if any of these symptoms are experienced.