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Chemotherapy Q&As

Published by Bupa's health information team, July 2009.

Answers to questions about chemotherapy

This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.

 

Why is tiredness a common side-effect of chemotherapy?

Tiredness is a common side-effect because chemotherapy treatment doesn't just kill cancer cells but also healthy cells that keep you well.

Explanation

Chemotherapy targets any cells that divide rapidly. This includes red blood cells that carry oxygen around your body. When levels of these fall, you may feel tired.

Chemotherapy also targets white blood cells that protect you from infection. Therefore, you may be more prone to getting ill, which can make you feel tired.

Many people say tiredness is the worst side-effect of chemotherapy. It can be frustrating because you may feel tired even if you're resting. You may not feel able to get out of bed or even to have a chat.

Most people regain their usual energy levels between six months and a year after chemotherapy ends, and for many people it's sooner than this.

Sources

  • Your blood, bone marrow and chemotherapy. Cancer Research UK. www.cancerhelp.org.uk, accessed 28 February 2009
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How long does it take for hair to grow back after chemotherapy?

Hair loss is a common side-effect of some types of chemotherapy. It usually starts to grow back once your treatment ends and by four to six months afterwards you're likely to have a good head of hair.

Explanation

Chemotherapy doesn't only target cancer cells, but any cells that divide rapidly. This includes hair cells. How much your hair cells are affected depends on the type, dose and length of treatment.

You may have slight thinning, loss of hair in patches or complete hair loss. Your head hair is usually affected first. Eyelashes, eyebrows, underarm, leg and sometimes pubic hair may also fall out. It may fall out within a few days of starting treatment or several weeks later.

After your treatment ends, your hair may grow back slightly differently, for example, it may be curly or a different colour.

Before you start treatment ask your doctor whether your chemotherapy medicine will cause hair loss. If it does, you may want to consider ways to cover your head using a wig, scarf or hat, or you may decide to 'go natural'. Many people are surprised at how realistic wigs can be. It's not uncommon for men and women to shave their heads.

Sources

  • Hair loss, hair thinning and chemotherapy. Cancer Research UK. www.cancerhelp.org.uk, accessed 27 February 2009
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Will chemotherapy affect my fertility?

There is a risk of becoming infertile after chemotherapy. The treatment can cause early menopause in some women.

Explanation

It can be very difficult to find out that treatment may affect your fertility. You need to discuss the risk of infertility with your doctor before your treatment starts. The impact of chemotherapy on fertility is influenced by:

  • your age
  • type of chemotherapy medicine
  • dose and duration of chemotherapy
  • your general health
  • type of cancer

For men, chemotherapy may temporarily or permanently reduce the number of sperm produced and their ability to fertilise an egg. You will be offered the opportunity to bank sperm so it can be frozen and stored for future fertility treatment.

For some women, chemotherapy can temporarily stop the ovaries from working. It usually takes about six months to a year for periods to return to normal after chemotherapy is over.

Some chemotherapy treatment stops the ovaries working permanently. Depending on the type of cancer you have, you may have three options for future infertility treatment, including:

  • freezing embryos (fertilised eggs)
  • freezing eggs
  • a new treatment to remove and freeze ovarian tissue and then put it back after chemotherapy so it produces eggs again - this isn't widely available but may become more widespread if tests continue to show it to be successful

Sources

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Related topics

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This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.

Publication date: July 2009

Chemotherapy factsheet

 

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