Diseases by themselves can be extremely excruciating to deal with, having to manage the side-effects of their treatments also just makes the whole scenario that much worse. It is extremely important to have a strong support system at such times so that the patient is not vulnerable to further complications and mental health issues that tend to accompany chronic illnesses. Cancer is one such disease whose treatment methods result in various side-effects that come with their own treatment procedures.

What does cancer treatment do to the body?
The cell is a basic component of any living organism, the foundation of all activities that occur in the body. Cancer occurs when the abnormal cells develop in the body and multiply to form tumors, and stop the growth of healthy tissue, slowly resulting in the malfunctioning of organs.

Treatments for this condition focus on destroying the abnormal cells, or tumors. The problem is, multiple procedures, such as chemotherapy and radiation, damage healthy cells along with unhealthy ones, leading to various side-effects and other health complications.

What are the side-effects?
Side-effects of cancer treatments are common to some extent, even though the exact treatment procedures vary from case to case. Managing these are a part of the treatment and the doctor would be aware of the challenges, so most of the pills prescribed are a combination to treat both, the condition and its side-effects.

Some of the main, common side-effects of cancer treatments are as follows.

• Fatigue
• Pain
• Nausea
• Dizziness

Additionally, there are harsher side-effects, such as the ones given below.

• Hair loss
• Mouth sores
• Skin rashes
• Swelling
• Bleeding
• Infertility
• Inflammation
• Discoloration
• Nerve damage
• Urinary issues
• Anemia
• Constipation
• Appetite loss
• Diarrhea
• Chemo brain (Difficulty in concentrating or remembering things)

How can one manage side-effects?
When a critical illness such as cancer is treated, it is best advised to follow the doctor’s instructions completely. In addition to that, there are some simple steps one can take to manage the main side-effects of cancer treatments.

Nausea

• Managing food intake into smaller portions at multiple intervals
• Avoiding fried foods, heavy foods, and aromatic ones
• Following a dietary plan as discussed with the doctor

Fatigue

• Resting frequently
• Eating fruits
• Avoiding lifting objects unless necessary
• Walking at short intervals to gain energy

Hair loss

• Avoiding hair dyes
• Using mild shampoos — baby shampoos can be a good alternative
• Applying sunscreen to protect the scalp area from the sun
• Wigs can be an alternative until hair grows back

Chemo brain

• Getting enough sleep
• Usage of planners and schedulers
• Following tasks as a checklist activity

Pain

• One may take painkillers as prescribed
• Consulting doctor for further advice if the pain is not manageable despite painkillers

Swelling

• Applying ice to reduce swelling
• Resting and protecting the sore area

Dizziness

• Drinking plenty of water
• Getting adequate sleep
• Eating high-fiber foods

Mouth sores

• Avoiding spicy foods
• Drinking plenty of water
• Saltwater gargling
• Maintaining oral hygiene
• Using antiseptic gel

Skin rashes

• Not scratching rashes
• Medicated lotions can be applied
• Maintaining moisture levels of the skin

Other general tips for cancer patients

• Washing the hands and bathing regularly reduces the risk of infection due to chemotherapy
• The use of separate towels, handkerchiefs, and other hygiene products at all times must be enforced.