Cancer, of any kind, and in any part of the body, can be extremely damaging. The worst thing about this disease is that though it can be treated, the treatments involve a number of side effects. These side effects are triggered by the damage of healthy cells in the human body. The side effects can be different for each person, requiring different kinds of further treatments. However, the main side effects of cancer treatments that most common are listed herein.

Neutropenia
This is one of the main side effects of cancer treatments, and it is a condition in which the white blood cells rapidly decrease in number. Neutropenia usually starts after chemotherapy. Now, chemotherapy uses medications that kill the fast-growing cells in the body, and that include both cancer cells as well as the WBCs. This decrease in the healthy white blood cells makes the patient more susceptible to infections and germs.

Lymphedema
Cancer in the lymph nodes often necessitates a surgery to remove the nodes. This can be done through radiation treatment as well. But this treatment often damages the lymph node in question, or the vessel and the fluid is not able to drain out properly. This fluid builds up under the skin then, causing subsequent swelling in different parts of the body. This condition is called lymphedema and is one of the main side effects of cancer treatments.

Hair Loss
Although not a exactly health concern, hair loss is extremely common in cancer patients who have received chemotherapy. The treatment uses medications that produce a lot of heat in the body, leading to extensive hair loss. This is why many patients choose to shave off their hair. Wearing a cooling cap before starting to receive chemotherapy can help prevent alopecia to a significant extent though.

Difficulty with Thought and Memory
Cancer and its treatments can mess with a person’s body in different ways. Losing the ability to think and remember things clearly is also one of the main side effects of cancer treatments. The medications affect a patient’s ability to concentrate and efficiently execute everyday tasks.

Nausea and Vomiting
Cancer treatments make patients feel sick to the stomach and vomit often. The high dosage of the drugs, at times, mixed with anxiety and fear causes this to happen. However, these side effects are somewhat manageable with the help of medicines as well as natural remedies like ginger ale. Relaxation techniques such as hypnosis can also help in many cases.

Deep Vein Thrombosis
Deep vein thrombosis occurs when blood clots form in the deep veins. They typically form in the thighs, lower legs or pelvis. They become threatening when they break off, and have a chance of reaching the lungs.

While these are the main side effects of cancer treatments, there is no denying that cancer patients suffer mentally too, and must always be supported with love and compassion.