Complications and Side Effects of Treatment

Not surprisingly, treatments selected for their ability to kill cancer cells can also harm healthy cells. So most cancer patients experience side effects as a direct result of their treatments. The side effects, however, vary from person to person and depend on the type of treatment, the doses and how long the treatment lasts. Doctors seek to maximize the anticancer effects of therapy while preventing or managing the side effects. For example, radiation oncologists at Beaumont pioneered intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), which delivers high-dose radiation to tumors but only minimal doses to surrounding tissue.

The most frequent side effects of cancer treatments are well known, and the oncology team at Beaumont can provide effective supportive care. Because each person’s medical condition, diagnosis and reaction to treatment differs, the team can discuss appropriate remedies on an individual basis.

For more information about the side effects of chemotherapy drugs, click on:
Cancer Treatment – Chemotherapy Drugs and Side Effects

To learn more about side effects, click on the Beaumont links below.
Physical Changes
Pain
Nausea/Vomiting
Fatigue
Emotional Issues