Breast cancer treatment can cause short-term and long-term side effects that vary substantially and depend on the specific therapy used. Common side effects of chemotherapy include stomach complaints like appetite loss, diarrhea, constipation, and nausea/vomiting; fatigue, hair loss, edema, brittle skin and nails, easy bruising/bleeding, anemia, mouth sores, and changes to libido and fertility.[1] A healthcare provider will help individuals manage side effects from breast cancer therapy.
What are some side effects of breast cancer treatments?
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•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
Breast cancer treatments can lead to a variety of short-term and long-term side effects, which differ based on the therapy used. Common side effects of chemotherapy include appetite loss, nausea, fatigue, hair loss, and changes in libido and fertility, among others.