Care for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy

Common side effects of chemotherapy drugs include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Hair loss
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Mouth sores
• Pain
• Constipation
• Easy bruising
• Bleeding

Many of these side effects can be prevented or treated. Most side effects subside after the treatment ends.

Long-Term Side Effects

Chemotherapy drugs may also cause long-term side effects that appear months or years after treatment. The late effects vary depending on the chemotherapy drug, but they may include:

• Lung tissue damage
• Heart problems
• Infertility
• Kidney problems
• Nerve damage (neuropathy)
• Increased risk of another cancer

Chemotherapy Drugs

The type of chemotherapy drug is selected based on several factors, including:

• Type of cancer
• Stage of cancer
• Overall health status
• Previous cancer treatments
• Patient goals and preferences