|
||
|
||
|
||
|
Side effects
If you have side effects from your cancer treatment - surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy - how bad they are will depend on the type of treatment and on your own body’s reactions to it.
You may have heard about side effects from friends and family - just remember everyone is different.
Always tell your doctors and nurses about any side effects you are experiencing - there is usually something that can be done to help relieve them.
You can also call The Cancer Council Helpline 13 11 20 to talk about any side effects with a Nurse Counsellor.
These pages talk about
Find out more
Coping with cancer publications - The Cancer Council SA
RAH Understanding cancer pages - types, treatments and side effects
Adelaide Radiotherapy Centre - good patient information section, including side effects
Cancer Institute NSW - look under patients and carers > cancer treatments
Cancerbackup UK – has lots of information about the side effects of particular treatments – see various headings under treatments National Cancer Institute – see cancer topics > coping with cancer. Also has information about specific drugs. CancerNet – see diagnosis and treatment > treating cancer. Managing side effects and drug information resources are useful. Surgery The most common side effects of surgery and anaesthetic are pain and nausea. Pain can range from mild discomfort to severe distress. Analgesics relieve pain. Nausea is an unpleasant feeling of wanting to vomit. Anaesthetic drugs can have this effect on some people. Antiemetic drugs relieve nausea.
If the drugs you’re given don’t help, let the nursing or medical staff know as they may be able to change your medication to better suit your needs.
Read more in our About surgery booklet
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy kills cancer cells, but also damages normal cells. This mainly affects your mouth, digestive system, bone marrow, reproductive system, skin and hair. Remember
 almost all side effects are temporary and will gradually disappear once the treatment has stopped precautions can be taken to prevent or reduce any side effects the type or severity of any side effects doesn’t relate to treatment success.Ask your doctor about the specific side effects of your own chemotherapy drug treatment and about the expected benefits when making your decisions about treatment.
Tell your doctor or nurse if you are feeling unwell, as they can help you with most side effects. They may make changes to your treatment. Side effects don’t normally last throughout your entire treatment - there should be times when you feel quite well.
Read more in our About chemotherapy booklet
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy for cancer can sometimes affect normal tissue, causing side effects. If they do occur, they usually start after you are well into your treatment. Side effects may continue up to 3 to 4 weeks after treatment finishes. Tell your treatment team if you’re thinking about using a complementary therapy or home remedy for side effects.
The most common side effects of radiation therapy are tiredness, skin problems and loss of appetite. There can be other problems depending on the area that is treated - talk to your doctor.
Read more in our Understanding radiation therapy booklet
 Top |
Info & support 
