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Chemotherapy side effects 

Chemotherapy medicines cannot tell the difference between normal cells and cancer cells, and affect all cells that divide rapidly. The damage caused to normal cells may lead to side effects.

Common side effects of chemotherapy

The following are some of the common side effects. Follow the links below for more information, along with information about treatment and management.

Low blood count

Low Blood Count Due To Chemotherapy

Low White Cell Count & Infection During Chemotherapy

Low Red Blood Cell Count Due To Chemotherapy

Low Platelet Count Due To Chemotherapy

Other side effects

Sore Mouth Due To Chemotherapy

Nausea & Vomiting Due To Chemotherapy

Loss Of Appetite Due To Chemotherapy

Constipation Due To Chemotherapy

Sun Sensitivity Due To Chemotherapy

Hair Loss Due To Chemotherapy

Fatigue Due To Chemotherapy

Acknowledgements

All the pages in the childhood cancer section of this website have been written by health professionals who work in the field of paediatric oncology. They have been reviewed by the members of the National Child Cancer Network (NZ). Medical information is authorised by the National Child Cancer Network Clinical Leader.

In this section

  • Constipation Due To Chemotherapy
    Constipation is when a child is doing poo less often than usual, or is having difficulty doing poo, or the poo is hard.
    Learn more

  • Fatigue Due To Chemotherapy
    Many tamariki (children) with cancer experience fatigue (extreme tiredness). Many tamariki are experiencing fatigue at the time of diagnosis. Most tamariki with cancer experience fatigue during treatment.
    Learn more

  • Hair Loss Due To Chemotherapy
    Hair loss happens when chemotherapy interrupts normal hair growth. Hair loss is usually temporary and your child's hair may regrow even before treatment ends.
    Learn more

  • Loss Of Appetite Due To Chemotherapy
    Loss of appetite for food (anorexia) is one of the most common problems caused by cancer treatment. Your child's healthcare team will monitor your child's weight carefully during treatment.
    Learn more

  • Low Blood Count Due To Chemotherapy
    Blood cells are the normal cells most often affected by chemotherapy. A low blood count means having fewer new cells in the blood than is normal.
    Learn more

  • Low Platelet Count Due To Chemotherapy
    A low platelet count is called thrombocytopenia. Signs of a low platelet count are bruising, bleeding from the nose, gums or other parts of the body, black poo, or vomit with specks of blood in it.
    Learn more

  • Low Red Blood Cell Count Due To Chemotherapy
    A low red blood cell count is called anaemia. It causes tiredness, shortness of breath, pale skin and gums, headache and dizziness.
    Learn more

  • Low White Cell Count & Infection During Chemotherapy
    A low white cell count is called neutropenia. Neutropenia leads to an increased infection risk. If your child is neutropenic and gets an infection, they can become seriously ill quickly.
    Learn more

  • Nausea & Vomiting Due To Chemotherapy
    Nausea and vomiting are common problems during cycles of chemotherapy, and can sometimes last for several days after the chemotherapy treatment stops. 
    Learn more

  • Sore Mouth Due To Chemotherapy
    The lining of your child's mouth and throat becomes weak during chemotherapy treatment. This can lead to inflammation and ulcers. Good mouth care will help avoid infection and will make things more comfortable for your child.
    Learn more

  • Sun Sensitivity Due To Chemotherapy
    Chemotherapy will make your child's skin more sensitive to the sun and more likely to burn more easily. Sunscreen (SPF30 or more), a hat and clothing which covers the skin are very important.
    Learn more

  • Taste Changes Due To Cancer Treatment Medicines
    Medicines your child has during cancer treatment can sometimes cause taste changes.
    Learn more
Last reviewed

Topics:

Childhood Cancer
Side Effects Of Treatments
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