Side effects of chemotherapy
Side effects of chemotherapy Chemotherapy is a common treatment for cancer, employing powerful drugs to kill rapidly growing cancer cells. While effective, it also affects healthy cells, leading to various side effects. Understanding these side effects can help patients prepare and manage their treatment journey more effectively. Common Side Effects 1. Fatigue: One of the most prevalent side effects of chemotherapy is fatigue. Patients often feel overwhelmingly tired, which can persist for weeks or even months after treatment ends. This exhaustion is typically due to the body’s need to repair itself from the damage caused by chemotherapy. 2. Nausea and Vomiting: Chemotherapy can trigger the brain’s nausea centers, leading to nausea and vomiting. This side effect varies in intensity and can sometimes be managed with anti-nausea medications. 3. Hair Loss: Hair follicles, which grow rapidly like cancer cells, are often damaged by chemotherapy. This leads to hair loss, which c...