What Are Late Effects of Cancer Treatment?

Causes of late effects of cancer treatment include: 

• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy 
• Hormonal therapy
• Immunotherapy
• Surgery
• Steroid medicines
• Other drug therapies, such as opioids and tricyclic antidepressants

After cancer treatment has ended, patients are usually advised to go for regular follow-up visits to their doctor to check for any of these late effects that can develop months to years after treatment ends. 

Management of bone loss from late effects of cancer treatment includes: 

• Don’t smoke or use other tobacco products
• Eat foods rich in calcium and vitamin D
• Walk, jog, or do other weight-bearing exercise
• Limit alcohol consumption

Management of brain changes from late effects of cancer treatment includes: 

• Physical, occupational, or speech therapy
• Medication or surgery to help with the symptoms

Management of endocrine system changes from late effects of cancer treatment includes: 

• Early menopause treatment 
• Estrogen replacement therapy
• Progestin 
• Antidepressants
• Anticonvulsants
• Clonidine
• Stress reduction exercises (relaxation, breathing exercises, hypnosis)
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Wear loose-fitting clothes made of cotton
• Use fans and open windows to keep air moving
• Treatment for thyroid problems
• Thyroid hormone replacement therapy 

Management of eye problems from late effects of cancer treatment includes: 

• Cataract surgery
• Eye drops or ointments for dry eye syndrome

Management of hearing loss from late effects of cancer treatment includes: 

• Evaluation from an audiologist (specialist in hearing disorders)

Management of heart problems from late effects of cancer treatment includes: 

• A heart-healthy diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and low in salt
• Monitor fluid intake 
• Lose weight if you're overweight or obese
• Exercise regularly
• Don’t smoke
• Don’t use illegal drugs
• Get adequate rest
• Take medications as prescribed by your doctor

Management of joint changes from late effects of cancer treatment includes: 

• Physical therapy exercises to decrease pain, increase strength, and improve movement
• Knee or hip replacement surgery if needed

Management of lung problems from late effects of cancer treatment includes: 

• Oxygen therapy
• Lose weight if you're overweight or obese
• Exercise regularly
• Don’t smoke
• Don’t use illegal drugs
• Take medications as prescribed by your doctor
• If you take steroids, make sure you eat a healthy diet because steroids can interfere with the way the body uses certain nutrients such as calcium, potassium, sodium, protein, and vitamins C and D

Management of lymphedema from late effects of cancer treatment includes: 

• Use lotion to moisturize and sunscreen to protect your skin
• Exercise regularly
• See a certified lymphedema therapist for a special type of therapeutic massage called manual lymph drainage
• Wear compression garments or bandages
• Use compression devices (special pumps that apply pressure periodically) 
• Laser therapy

Management of mouth changes from late effects of cancer treatment includes: 

• See your dentist regularly, at least every 1 to 2 months for at least 6 months after radiation treatment ends
• Exercise your jaw
• Stimulate saliva by drinking 8 to 10 cups of liquid per day, sucking on sugarless candy, or chewing gum 
• Practice good dental hygiene
  • Floss and use a mouthwash with fluoride every day
  • Brush your teeth after meals and before you go to bed
  • Avoid mouthwashes that contain alcohol