Undergoing cancer treatment can be a challenging journey, with various side effects impacting daily life. In the UK, its estimated that at least one in four people living with cancer–around 500,000 individuals–experience poor health or disability following treatment (Macmillan). 

Understanding the side effects and how to manage them will help you maintain quality of life during and after your treatment. It gives you some control.

Common Side Effects and Management Strategies

   • Fatigue–one of the most common and prevelant side effects, more than 80% of people with cancer, experience fatigue while receiving chemotherapy or radiotherapy. (Nationa Cancer Institute).

   • To help manage fatigue:

          • Engage in light physical activity, such as walking, pilates, yoga and specialist cancer exercise sessions. 

          • Get into a regular sleep routine and include naps.

          • Prioritise tasks and ask for help.

   • Nausea and Vomiting–common during chemotherapy, and can significantly impact your nutrition and hydration.

   • To help manage nausea:

          • Take the prescribed anti sickness medications as directed.

          • Try having small, frequent meals, avoid strong smelling food.

          • Stay hydrated by sipping water.

   Hair Loss–can be a distressing side effect of chemotherapy.

   • To manage hair loss

          • You can consider using wigs, hats and scarves for comfort and confidence.

          • Cooling Caps–using these during your treatment, may reduce hair loss.

          • And remember that hair loss is usually temporary, with it growing again after treatment finishes.

 Chemo Brain (cognitive changes)–some patients report memory and concentration issues during and after treatment.

   • To help manage chemo brain

          • Use planners, post it notes, your phone and diaries to help you keep track of appointments and plans.

          • Engage in brain-stimulating activities like puzzles and reading (these have really helped my husband and he is bettr at the cross-word now than pre cancer!)

          • Keep to single tasks, and ask people to allow you the time to explain things and complete tasks. Avoid trying to do several things at once.

Peripheral Neuropathy: Tingling, numbness, or pain in the hands and feet.

   • To help manage these symptoms:

          • Protect the hands and feet from extreme temperatures.

          • Perform gentle exercises to improve circulation (chemo induced peripheral neuropathy can last for years – research from 2024 showed that exercise activates nueromuscular function and can improve peripheral neuropathy)

Pain–May result from the cancer itself or as a side effect from the treatment.

          • Utilise your pain medication

          • Incorporate relaxation techniques like deep breathing. You may find that using binaural beats helps, different frequencies can help with pain and sleep. Check in with your medical team if you are unsure as those with brain-based disability like epilepsy need expert advice.

          • Do some gentle exercise to maintain mobility.

Nutritional Support–

          • A balanced diet is really important during treatment

          • You may want to see a registered dietician for personal guidance 

Emotional Well-being–Anxiety and depression are common amongst cancer patients, many report not feeling supported (Macmillan)

   • To help manage low mood

          • Seek support from groups–there is often a contact in the pack you will be given at your first appointment. You may be recieve a phone call. Tell someone if you feel anxious or depressed.

          • Mindfulness techniques can help. Breathing, meditation, taking a few moments to be present in the moment and focus on your breath or something you can touch or see can help.

          • Be open with friends and family about how you feel.

Do not suffer in silence. It is essential to be open with your health care team. Report side effects early as this can lead to early intervention, and improve your treatment experience. Ask questions and express your concerns.

Managing the side effects of cancer treatment is a vital part of your care. By implementing some of the strategies suggested you have some control and this can be empowering during a time when you feel you have no control. Seek support from your cancer team.

Remember you are not alone, use resources offered and seek support networks and groups local to you or online. Peer groups have been shown to improve experience and outcomes.

In Harwich there is a cancer support group on a Wednesday. In Clacton there is a support group on a Monday. There is a monthly meeting in Frinton on Sea for those undergoing treatment for Breast Cancer, survivors and carers. This takes place on the first Thursday of the Month at Oasis Cafe. Ther are 5K Your Way, Move Against Cancer groups in both Clacton and Harwich, we meet on the last Saturday of the month for a walk and coffee at the Parkrun venues.

Please get in touch if you want support with physical activity. I run online sessions for breast cancer rehab, relaxation and bone health. You can message me, email me fi@therapyinmotion.co or call 07767 384983