Physical Impacts by Disease Site

The physical side effects experienced by cancer patients can be caused by the cancer itself, and/or aggressive therapies used to treat it.

Short-term side effects occur during cancer treatment. Common symptoms include nausea, hair loss, pain, fatigue and weight loss. Generally, these side effects go away after active treatment ends. Your doctor can prescribe medication to minimize short-term side effects. Complementary therapies such as yoga, acupuncture and massage can work in combination with medication for enhanced relief of cancer or treatment-related symptoms.

Long-term side effects are those that begin during treatment and continue after the end of treatment, such as infertility or memory loss.

Late side effects are symptoms that appear months or years after treatment has ended, including heart failure, osteoporosis, psychological problems and second cancers.

Physical Impacts by Cancer Type

The survivorship clinic specializes in identifying and treating late side effects, which are symptoms that may appear months or years after treatment has ended. The physical changes will depend on your cancer type and treatment.

Remember, it is important to communicate with your health care team through every stage of your cancer experience. Some survivors need more information and use more support services than others use, depending upon their diagnosis and treatment. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your health care team.

Breast  

Side effects and symptoms you may experience include:

• Osteoporosis (low bone mass that results in weak bones that break easily)
• Lymphedema  (swelling of the arm)
• Menopausal symptoms
• Changes in fertility and sexuality
• Fatigue

Colorectal

Side effects and symptoms you may experience include:

• Neuropathy
• Uncontrolled bowel movements that are not managed by current treatment
• Lymphedema  (swelling of the arm)
• Sexual health issues

Genitourinary (Bladder, Kidney, Penile, Prostate, Testicular)

Side effects and symptoms you may experience include:

Prostate Cancer

• Urinary incontinence
• Erectile dysfunction
• Urethral stricture
• Blood in the urine

Testicular Cancer

• Low testosterone
• Infertility
• Low libido
• Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet/legs
• Ringing in the ears
• Impaired kidney function
• Hearing loss
• Shortness of breath with activity or at rest
• High cholesterol levels
• Hypertension

Kidney Cancer

• Impaired kidney function
• Surgical hernia

Bladder Cancer

• Impaired renal function
• Blood in the urine
• Urinary incontinence
• Recurring urinary tract infection
• Stones in the neobladder
• Surgical hernia
• Stoma problems

Psychosocial/Emotional Effects

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Difficulty with intimacy

Gynecologic (Cervical, Endometrial [Uterine], Fallopian Tube, Ovarian, Vulvar)

Side effects and symptoms you may experience include:

• Osteoporosis (low bone mass that results in weak bones that break easily)
• Menopausal symptoms
• Changes in fertility and sexuality
• Fatigue

Head & Neck

Side effects and symptoms you may experience include:

• Dry mouth
• Difficulty opening your mouth
• Problems with bones healing, particularly the jaw bone
• Swallowing problems
• Painful swallowing
• Lymphedema (swelling of the head and/or neck)
• Hearing loss
• Hypothyroidism (not making enough thyroid hormone)

Lymphoma

Side effects, symptoms and changes you may experience:

• Xerostomia (dry mouth) caused by surgery or radiation therapy
• Weight gain due to medicines and inactivity
• Fatigue
• Heart problems, such as shortness of breath and rapid heartbeat
• Infertility, sexual side effects and early menopause in women
• Osteoporosis, a condition that causes weak bones that are more likely to break
• Neuropathy, a condition that causes numbness, tingling, burning, pinching, pain or not being able to feel sensations like hot or cold

Stem Cell Transplant Survivors

Late effects and symptoms you may experience include:

Physical Effects

• Graft versus Host Disease (GVHD)
• Pain
• Lack of sleep
• Decreased nutrition
• Fatigue
• Loss of bone mass
• Dry eyes, vision changes, cataract development
• Dry mouth, dental cavities
• Memory and concentration
• Infertility
• Sexual problems
• Risk for second cancers

Emotional Effects

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Anger

Social Effects

• Changes in roles and relationships
• Family stresses
• Delayed return to work or school
• Financial concerns
• Sexuality

Thyroid

Side effects you may experience as a thyroid cancer survivor include:

• Increased risk for other cancers
• Heart problems
• Low bone mass
• Dry mouth and dental problems
• Voice and swallowing difficulties
• Fatigue