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Symptoms & Side Effects of Chemotherapy

General side effects of chemotherapy can happen when chemotherapy is given for any type of cancer. The side effects depend on a number of factors, including the cancer type, the type and amount of cancer drug(s) used and patient characteristics (for example, age, gender, overall health and well-being).

What Are the Common Side Effects of Chemotherapy?

Hair loss
Nausea
Vomiting
Anemia
Bone loss
Constipation
Diarrhea
Fatigue
Depression
Anxiety
Hand-foot syndrome
Low platelets
Low white blood cells
Mouth problems

Symptom Management Guides & Cancer Drug Side Effect Sheets

The symptom management guides and cancer drug side effect sheets are for patients and their families. They outline steps to prevent and reduce symptoms and side effects from cancer or treatments, including chemotherapy.

View Symptom and Side Effect Management

If you are a person with cancer or if you are caring for a person with cancer, please remember that it’s important to discuss any symptoms or concerns with the cancer healthcare team.