Side effects of chemotherapy

A discussion of the most common side-effects of chemotherapy such as low blood count, sore mouth, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation, sun sensitivity, hair loss and fatigue.

What causes side-effects?

Chemotherapy medicines cannot tell the difference between normal cells and cancer cells, and affect all cells that divide rapidly. The damage caused to normal cells may lead to side-effects.

What are the most common side-effects?

The following are some of the common side-effects. Follow the links below for a discussion of each of these, along with information about treatment and management:

low blood count, see:
sore mouth (see sore mouth due to chemotherapy)
nausea and vomiting (see nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy)
loss of appetite (see loss of appetite due to chemotherapy)
constipation (see constipation due to chemotherapy)
sun sensitivity (see sun sensitivity due to chemotherapy)
hair loss (see hair loss due to chemotherapy)
fatigue (see fatigue due to chemotherapy)

Where to go for more information and support

On this website
Childhood cancer: Where to go for more information and support

Acknowledgements

All the information in the Childhood cancer section of this website has been written by health professionals who work in the field of paediatric oncology.They have been reviewed by the members of the National Child Cancer Network (NZ). Medical information is authorised by the National Child Cancer Network Clinical Leader.