Genitourinary Oncology Program

Bladder Cancer

Treatment Side Effects

Side effects can occur with cancer treatments because the treatment often damages healthy cells along with the cancer cells. The type and extent of these side effects vary depending on the particular treatment involved, its duration, and its dose:

Surgery

The side effects of surgery depend on the location of the tumor and the type of operation, among other factors. Although patients are often uncomfortable during the first few days after surgery, this pain can usually be controlled with medicine. The recovery period after an operation varies from patient to patient.

Radiation Therapy

The most common side effects of radiation therapy are tiredness, skin reactions in the treated areas (such as a rash or redness), and loss of appetite. Radiation therapy may also cause a decrease in the number of white blood cells that help protect the body against infection. Most of these side effects can be treated or controlled and in most cases they are not permanent.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy drugs generally target rapidly dividing cancer cells. However, other cells that also divide rapidly include blood cells, cells that line the digestive tract, and cells in hair follicles. Unfortunately, these healthy cells may also be affected by the chemotherapy drugs, resulting in side effects such as infections, tiredness, temporary hair loss, and mouth sores. Not all chemotherapy patients develop all of these symptoms, and they usually go away during the recovery period or after treatment stops. Medicines and other treatments are available to control or minimize many of these symptoms.

One of the most important side effects of many chemotherapy drugs is lowering of the blood counts. Because chemotherapy can reduce the function of the bone marrow, where most blood cells are produced, it can cause:

anemia (you may have less energy)
low platelets (you may bruise or bleed easily)
low antibodies (you may be more susceptible to infections)

Eating well means getting enough calories and protein to help prevent weight loss and regain strength. Patients who eat well during cancer treatment often feel better and have more energy. In addition, they may be better able to handle the side effects of treatment.

This page was last updated on: February 6, 2008.