Cancer and its treatment can cause a variety of side effects. However, doctors have made major strides in recent years in reducing pain, nausea and vomiting, and other physical side effects of cancer treatments. Many treatments used today are less intensive but just as effective as treatments used in the past. Doctors also have many ways to provide relief to patients when side effects do occur.
Fear of treatment side effects is common after a diagnosis of cancer, but it may be helpful to know that preventing and controlling side effects is a major focus of your health-care team. The specific side effects that can occur depend on a variety of factors, including the cancer's location, the individual treatment plan (including the length and dosage of treatment), and the person's overall health.
Before treatment begins, talk to your doctor about possible side effects of the treatments you will be receiving. Ask your doctor which side effects are most likely to happen (and which are not), when they are likely to occur, and how they will be addressed by your health-care team if they do happen. Also, be sure to communicate with the doctor about any side effects you experience during and after treatments.
In addition to physical side effects, there may be psychological (emotional and social) effects as well. These are normal for many men and you can ask your doctor about the variety of support groups and services that are available to you through Roswell Park and throughout the Western New York.
