Managing side effects

People with cancer may experience physical symptoms because of their cancer or as a side effect of cancer treatment. A symptom is something that is experienced or felt by a person. People with cancer may have a variety of symptoms or side effects, such as nausea, diarrhea, pain or fatigue. These can affect a person's physical or emotional well-being and quality of life. Symptom management describes some of the measures that can be used to cope with physical symptoms of cancer or its treatment.

The causes, severity and length of time someone experiences symptoms and side effects varies from person to person. A variety of approaches is used to control and manage symptoms and side effects, including drug therapy, physical or psychological methods.

References

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If you are outside Canada

We can give information about cancer care and support services in Canada only. To find a cancer organization in your country, visit Union for International Cancer Control or International Cancer Information Service Group.