Side Effects Of Chemotherapy And Radiation For Breast Cancer

Doctors may recommend this therapy in combination with others such as surgery and chemotherapy.

Side effects of chemotherapy and radiation for breast cancer.

It may develop as a late effect of previous cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Hair loss and nausea are probably the most commonly feared side effects of chemotherapy and radiation. Chemotherapy and radiation are two of the most effective treatments for cancer. This may be a new primary cancer.

The side effects will vary depending on the type of chemo drugs or radiation treatment you get. Here are some long term side effects to be aware of. Other side effects feelings of fear sadness and isolation can compound the physical side effects of chemotherapy both during and after treatment. Skin irritation dryness and color changes.

For example some survivors struggle with negative emotional effects of cancer. Other side effects depend on the part of the body that is being treated. Learn more about possible side effects. Radiation therapy has side effects because it not only kills or slows the growth of cancer cells it can also affect nearby healthy cells.

Nausea is rare with radiation therapy to the breast. Adobe stock belish breast fibrosis. Breast swelling from fluid build up lymphedema. Radiation can be an effective treatment for breast cancer but it does have side effects.

Many people who get radiation therapy experience fatigue. If you have a higher dose of radiation your chances of getting side effects are more likely but if you get too low of a dose of radiation it won t be as effective against the cancer and could leave cancer cells alive. Radiation to the breast can cause. Others say that they have a renewed positive outlook on life because of the cancer.

However you may lose some hair under your arm or on the breast or chest area getting radiation this may be a concern for some men with breast cancer. If you have radiation to the breast it can affect your heart or lungs as well causing other side effects. However patients undergoing treatment for cancer often suffer from compromised immune function low blood cell counts lack of appetite poor energy weight loss digestive disturbances pain anxiety and depression as well. Rare short or long term side effects.