Cancer is a progressive condition that can turn fatal if not treated. Aside from surgery, the most popular treatment methods are chemotherapy and radiation therapy. These methods use extremely strong medications and radiation beams, respectively, to destroy cancer cells. As a result of the procedures, healthy cells are also affected, leading to side effects of cancer treatments. The article below lists some of the main issues one undergoing treatment for the condition will have to deal with.

Hair loss
Of the main side effects of cancer treatment, the most common one is hair loss. The medication used to treat cancer in chemotherapy is very strong since it needs to destroy the cancer cells. These medicines also destroy hair follicles and result in hair loss.

Even when radiotherapy is used on the head and neck area, it causes the destruction of hair follicles, and this leads to hair loss. It is a temporary phenomenon, and hair growth starts once the treatment stops. A cooling cap can be worn during treatment to reduce this side effect.

Exhaustion and fatigue
A common symptom experienced by those undergoing cancer treatment is fatigue. More than two-thirds of all those who are treated for the disease experience fatigue, exhaustion, and general debility. This is one of the side effects of cancer medication or treatment.

This can affect the quality of life and prevent one from doing routine work. Doctors can prescribe supplements and medication to reduce fatigue. It is important to take rest while being treated.

Nausea
Cancer medication, given in chemotherapy, has a strong effect on the gastrointestinal system, leading to digestive problems. This results in severe nausea and can also cause vomiting. Some patients need anti-nausea medication to control the symptoms.

Avoiding oily and fatty food at the time of treatment is important. It is also helpful to drink plenty of water and use natural remedies like ginger tea.

Diarrhea
Diarrhea or loose motion is a common side effect of cancer treatment. This can occur when radiation therapy is given to the stomach area, and also due to the medicines used in chemotherapy. Severe diarrhea can be experienced by those who undergo treatment for cancer of the GI tract and rectum.

Drinking 10 to 12 glasses of water and following a strict diet can be helpful in treating the symptoms of diarrhea. In severe cases, medication to treat diarrhea is prescribed.

Reduced sex drive
Patients who have cancer in the bladder, rectum, prostate, ovary, or testes are likelier to face the problem of a reduced sex drive. This happens because the medication affects the hormonal system.

The side effect takes months to be resolved, even after cancer is cured. Treatment using Viagra and other such medicines may be required.

Weakened immune system
Immune cells can be destroyed during cancer treatment. As a result, it becomes weak, and patients are prone to infections. Taking measures to prevent infection and building immunity through exercise and diet is advised for such patients.

Most of these side effects of cancer treatments can be managed easily. They tend to go away once treatment stops.