The Side Effects of Cancer

Where You Are:

Enduring the side effects associated with chemotherapy and radiation treatment is one of the harsh realities associated with the battle against cancer. There is no denying that cancer patients will have their lifestyles heavily altered both during and after treatment. In response, Moffitt Cancer Center has an expert support team on staff to help sufferers not only tolerate the side effects of cancer, but overcome these hardships.

Some of these common side effects include, but are not limited to:

Nausea & Vomiting

These are perhaps two of the most widespread side effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatment, and Moffitt's nurses are highly trained in helping reduce these symptoms.

Prostate cancer screenings
Breast cancer screenings
Ovarian and cervical cancer screenings
Skin cancer screenings

Hair Loss

Moffitt understands the physical and mental toll that hair loss often has on patients. In addition to offering emotional support, Moffitt is home to Magnolias Hair Salon, a fully functional beauty and barber shop. Consultation for hair loss is avalailable at Magnolias.

Diet & Cancer Prevention
Nutrition During Treatment
Exercise guidelines
Behavior change strategies

Dietary Concerns

Loss of appetite and a change in diet is to be expected throughout cancer treatment. Moffitt's Department of Nutrition offers patients a variety of dietary services.

Dramatic weight loss
Fever not connected to flu or other common illness
Unexplained swelling or lumps

Cognitive/Memory Changes

Moffitt's psychological support team works with patients to prevent cognitive changes and memory loss that sometimes occur as a result of cancer treatment.

Causes of cognitive disorders
Signs of cognitive disorders
Other risk factors

Fertility

Both males and females will, on occasion, experience infertility as a cancer side effect. This is especially common for gynecological oncology related disease in women and testicular cancer in men.

Fertility preservation
Effect on females
Effect on Males
Options