Chemotherapy is the use of chemicals or drugs to treat cancer. These drugs are anti-cancer agents that disrupt the growth cycle of cells, leading to cell death. Each drug works differently, and cancer treatment may involve chemotherapy alone, a combination of drugs, or alongside other treatments. Chemotherapy not only targets cancer cells but also affects some normal cells, especially those that grow and divide rapidly, such as cells in the digestive tract, blood cells, hair follicles, and reproductive organs (ovaries, testes). This leads to side effects during treatment.
Common side effects:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Hair loss
- Mouth sores
- Reduced blood cell count
Serious side effects requiring medical attention:
- Excessive bleeding or mouth sores
- Rash or allergic reactions
- Fever, chills
- Severe pain at the injection site
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe diarrhea or constipation
- Blood in urine or stool
How to manage side effects:
- Eat soft, easily digestible foods
- Eat small, frequent meals
- Avoid spicy, fatty, or fried foods
- Clean your mouth and teeth after every meal
- If nauseous, rest and take deep, slow breaths
- Consult a doctor if nausea and vomiting are severe or if eating very little
Managing 8 common chemotherapy side effects:
- Hair loss:
- Cut hair short for easier care
- Use mild shampoo (like baby shampoo) and avoid frequent washing
- Use soft brushes or wide-tooth combs and avoid frequent combing
- Avoid hair dryers, perms, or hair dyes
- Consult your doctor about using a wig and prepare a wig in advance for a more natural look
- Mouth sores:
- Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and rinse after every meal
- Eat soft foods
- Suck on crushed ice for comfort
- Diarrhea:
- Eat clean, well-cooked foods
- Consume low-fiber foods like bananas
- Eat soft, easily digestible meals in small portions
- Avoid foods that cause gas (beans, soda)
- Avoid dairy, tea, coffee, and fruit juices
- Drink plenty of fluids like warm water or tea
- Take anti-diarrhea medication as prescribed
- Constipation:
- Eat high-fiber foods such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains
- Drink at least 3 liters of water daily
- Exercise regularly
- Use laxatives as prescribed by your doctor
- Skin and nails:
- Some drugs may cause temporary changes in skin and nails, such as darkening or dryness
- Avoid sun exposure by wearing long sleeves, using an umbrella, or wearing a hat
- Apply sunscreen to prevent discoloration
- Use cream or oil to keep skin moisturized
- Preventing infections:
- Chemotherapy increases the risk of infection, especially 7-14 days after treatment
- Avoid crowded places like malls or markets
- Stay away from people with contagious illnesses like colds or flu
- Wash hands before meals and after using the bathroom
- If symptoms of infection occur (fever, chills, sore throat, excessive coughing), seek medical attention immediately
- Sexual health:
- Chemotherapy can affect reproductive organs in both men and women, but the severity depends on the drug, age, and overall health
- In men, chemotherapy may reduce sperm production, but normal sexual activity is still possible; sperm banking is an option before starting chemotherapy
- In women, chemotherapy may cause irregular or absent periods, vaginal dryness, and discomfort during sex; using lubricants may help
- It’s advisable to use contraception during chemotherapy, as the medication may cause birth defects
- Emotional health:
- Chemotherapy can cause mood swings due to concerns about the disease and its side effects
- Family, friends, and caregivers should offer emotional support, encouragement, and help alleviate stress
- Patients should not lose hope or stop treatment prematurely; consult a doctor about managing side effects or adjusting treatment if needed
Side effects are temporary and will subside once chemotherapy is completed. The severity of side effects depends on the type of chemotherapy drugs used and the individual’s response. After treatment, normal cell recovery occurs during the rest periods between chemotherapy sessions.
