As with all treatments for disease, the side effects of breast cancer therapy depends on the plan of care. Most breast cancer therapies have similar main side effects. These include pain, nausea, fatigue, hair loss, and osteoporosis (weakening of the bones). However each of the treatment options comes with their own specific set of particular side effects as well.

Chemotherapy treatments:

can increase the risk of infection, cause anemia, dry skin, brittle nails and an increase in mouth ulcers. More seriously, chemotherapy can affect fertility in both men and women. It can also result in menopausal-like symptoms due to the interference of normal hormonal cycles. The length of time these side effects are experienced by patients depends on the specific drugs used and the total length of treatment.

Radiation therapy:

side effects are generally divided into two categories: short-term and long-term effects. Short-term effects are caused by the radiation treatment itself and results in severe skin irritations and reddening, breast swelling, breast pain, and change in breast size, shape, or color. Long-term side effects begin weeks to months after the radiation therapy ends and cause hardened breast tissue, breast tenderness, and inflamed lungs resulting in a reoccurring dry cough.

Hormonal therapy:

as it blocks the normal uptake of specific, crucial hormones for a woman’s monthly cycle, many menopausal-like symptoms including hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and mood changes can occur. It is important to disclose any of these symptoms to a medical professional, as their severity can be lessened or even stopped through medical intervention.