Side effects after chemotherapy and radiation therapy – minimize

Below you will find help to reduce side effects after chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Find your issue and read more under the relevant topic.

Overview

1. Gastrointestinal side effects

• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dry mouth, pain, and mouth sores
• Reduced appetite
• Reflux and stomach ulcers/gastritis

2. Physical well-being

• Cough, hoarseness, and voice changes
• Joint pain and stiffness
• Muscle cramps
• Temperature regulation – feeling cold/sweating
• Fatigue
• Breathing problems – shortness of breath
• Eyelid inflammation/problems

3. Hair and skin

• Skin reactions
• Hair loss

4. Neurological side effects

• Chemo brain
• Nerve damage/sensory disturbances
• Dizziness and balance problems
• Changes in taste and smell

5. Mental side effects

• Sadness and depression

6. Sexual side effects

• Sexual side effects

7. Oral and dental problems

• Dry mouth, pain, and mouth sores
• Osteonecrosis of the jaw
• Fungal infection – local/systemic
• Dental problems

8. Urinary and bladder problems

• Cystitis
• Urinary incontinence

9. Other serious side effects

• Side effects requiring urgent action – life-threatening side effects
• Lymphedema
• Reduced vision
• Fungal infection – local/systemic
• Breathing problems – shortness of breath

See also Pain management

See also Supplements and chemo

See also Supplements and radiation

See also Lisette Aagaard

You can do something yourself

There is much you can do yourself or get help with regarding side effects and late effects after conventional cancer treatment. You can find a range of measures under the different types of side effects by clicking the topic in the list above.

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are important parts of cancer treatment, but they are also treatments that can cause a variety of unpleasant side effects.

Fortunately, there are several measures that can help minimize these side effects. If you have any of the mentioned side effects as a result of radiation therapy, the same measures will also have the potential to alleviate them.

I hope you find help on this page.

However, you should first inform your practitioner or treatment team about the problem. They will often have suggestions for a solution.

Typical side effects of chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy

Side effects and late effects of chemotherapy or radiation therapy can vary greatly from person to person and depend on several factors, such as the type of chemotherapy you receive, where on the body you have been irradiated, your general state of health, and your body’s individual reaction to the treatment.

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Page created: 2025. Ongoing updates

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What you read on Jeg har Kræft is not a recommendation. Seek competent guidance.