Chemotherapy is an intense form of treatment given to individual suffering from cancer. It works by introducing powerful drugs into the bloodstream that kill cancer cells, and may be administered in intravenous or pill form. While chemotherapy is one of the most aggressive and successful types of cancer treatment available, it also produces many cumulative side effects due to the fact it kills healthy cells in addition to cancer cells.
New Cancer
A common cumulative side effect of chemotherapy is an increased risk for developing a second form of cancer after treatment.
Digestive Disturbance
Individuals who undergo chemotherapy tend to experience digestive disturbance as a cumulative effect, as chemo drugs target rapidly divid cells, such as those found in the stomach and intestines. Chronic diarrhea, indigestion and poor nutrient absorption are common.
Heart Disease
Chemotherapy treatment makes patients more susceptible to develop heart disease. This can occur due to the elimination of healthy cells in the muscle tissue, making it weaker and less able to move blood. Heart failure is also a possible side effect of treatment.
Hair Loss
Hair loss, particularly loss of eyebrow and head hair, is a common cumulative side effect of chemotherapy that may take many months after treatment to correct.
Cumulative Effects for Women
There are several cumulative side effects of chemotherapy for female patients, including early menopause, irregular menstrual periods, spotting throughout the menstrual cycle and infertility.
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