Chemotherapy side effects

Chemotherapy aims is to kill cancer cells. For that it identifies and attacks those that divide fast and continuously - two of the main characteristics of cancer. 

The problem is that even fully grown adults still have cells that keep multiplying and dividing fast. Examples include cells from the::

  • Bone marrow (responsible for the production of the cells of the blood);
  • Hair roots;
  • Nails;
  • The epithelium of the mouth, throat, stomach and intestine

Due to this, during chemotherapy you might experience low blood cell count, hair weakness or loss, changes in the nails, as well as vomiting and diarrhea.

These should be temporary, since healthy cells have a tremendous capacity to recover. 

The side effects depend on the type of treatment you have. For example, not all chemotherapies affect the hair.

Talk to your doctor about what effects to expect from your treatment, and how to deal with them.

In the  side effects  section, you can find pamphlets with information on this and other side effects of cancer treatments.

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