Side Effects of Cancer Treatment

Chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy and surgery all work to destroy cancer cells. Along the way, they can also affect healthy cells. That's what causes side effects, and it's why managing them is an important part of your care.

Why they happen

Healthy Cells Can Be Affected, Too

Most cancer treatments can't fully tell the difference between cancer cells and normal, healthy cells. When healthy cells are damaged, side effects can follow.

Chemotherapy

Targets fast-growing cells

Chemotherapy works by damaging cells that divide quickly, a hallmark of cancer. But some healthy cells also divide quickly, such as blood cells and the cells lining the mouth and digestive tract. That's why these areas are often affected during chemotherapy.

Radiation therapy

Affects the area being treated

Radiation can affect some healthy cells that are in the path of the beam or close to the cancer being treated. Newer radiation techniques have reduced this damage, though they can't eliminate it completely.

Why they matter

More Than Discomfort

Side effects affect how you feel day to day. They can also affect how well your treatment works, which is why your team watches for them closely.

Your comfort

Side effects can be inconvenient and uncomfortable, and in rare cases they can become serious.

Your treatment schedule

Strong side effects can make it necessary to lower a dose or delay a treatment, changing the schedule your plan was built on.

Your best outcome

Expected results are based on giving treatment at the right dose and on time. Keeping side effects under control helps you get the full benefit of your plan.

Real progress

Better ways to prevent and control side effects

In the last 15 years, there has been great progress in medicines that help prevent and control the side effects of cancer treatment.

These advances have changed what treatment feels like for many patients, and what's possible for their care.

01
Better symptom relief
Symptoms linked to treatment are far easier to manage than they once were.
02
Treatment on track
Doses can be given more accurately and consistently, as your plan intends.
03
More options for more patients
Many cancer treatments are now available to more patients around the world.

Care built around you

You don't have to manage this alone

Tell your PCC team about any side effect, big or small. We'll help you prepare before treatment begins, check in on how you're feeling and adjust your care so you can stay as comfortable as possible.