Physical Concerns
Handouts addressing common physical concerns for oncology patients.
Managing Fatigue
This article reviews fatigue associated with cancer. It is one of the most common side effects the cancer patients report. This article also details its treatments and offers tips to decrease and manage fatigue.
Hair Loss (Alopecia) from Chemotherapy
A common side effect of chemotherapy is hair loss (alopecia). This side effect handout answers questions about alopecia and offers tips for coping with hair loss caused by chemotherapy.
Hair Loss (Alopecia) From Radiation Therapy
In this article, we will answer questions about and offers tips for coping with hair loss caused by radiation therapy.
Nail and Skin Care
Treatment for cancer can affect the nails and skin in some patients. This article offers tips for managing nail and skin changes during chemotherapy.
Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea)
Dyspnea is trouble breathing or difficulty catching your breath. Some people describe it as an awareness of uncomfortable breathing or a feeling of working very hard to breathe. This handout answers questions about and offers tips for coping with shortness of breath.
Peripheral Neuropathy (Nerve Damage)
Peripheral neuropathy is a condition in which a nerve or group of nerves have difficulty "communicating" with each other. This article provides an overview of peripheral neuropathy and offers tips for coping with this side effect of some chemotherapy agents.
Nutrition During Cancer Treatment
An overview of nutrition concerns during cancer treatment, including diarrhea, poor appetite, mouth sores, constipation, nausea and weight gain/loss.
Loss of Appetite
Loss of appetite is when you do not feel hungry, or you have no desire or interest in eating. This can be a side effect of some treatments for cancer or from the cancer itself. This handout offers tips for coping with a loss of appetite from cancer and cancer therapy.
Mucositis (Mouth Sores) & Oral Care Tip Sheet
Mucositis may also be called mouth sores, oral mucositis, or esophagitis. It can range in severity from a red, sore mouth and/or gums to very painful open sores, causing a patient to be unable to eat. This article provides information about mucositis symptoms, oral care, tips to reduce pain and treatment.
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea is a "sick" or "queasy" feeling in your stomach. Vomiting or "throwing up" often goes along with nausea. Several different aspects of cancer care can cause nausea. This handout answers questions about nausea and vomiting and offers tips for coping with this side effect.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is the passage of loose or watery stools three or more times a day that may or may not cause pain or discomfort in the abdomen and/or rectum. Because diarrhea can cause many problems, including dehydration, loss of important nutrients, weight loss, and fatigue, it should never be ignored or left untreated. This hand-out answers questions about and offers tips for managing diarrhea.
Constipation
This handout answers questions about and offers tips for managing constipation.
Tips and Tricks to Start and Maintain Exercise
Exercise can help you deal with the side effects of cancer treatment and help you live a healthier life.
Cognitive Dysfunction ("Chemo Brain")
Cognitive dysfunction, also known as chemo brain, can be caused by treatments for cancer. Chemo brain can lead to challenges with short-term memory, multi-tasking, and concentration. This article provides an overview of chemo brain and offers tips for coping and living with chemo brain.
Tips For Managing Sleep Problems (Insomnia)
Insomnia, or trouble sleeping, is a common problem for patients with cancer. This article discusses insomnia in the person with cancer, potential causes, and treatments.
Tips for Dealing with Urinary Incontinence (For Women)
An introduction to urinary incontinence, tips to cope with UI and exercises to strengthen the muscles that control urinary flow.
Tips for Dealing with Urinary Incontinence (For Men)
Some treatments for cancer, and at times cancer itself, can cause urinary incontinence. Urinary incontinence is that inability to control urine flow. This article includes information about incontinence after cancer treatment and tips for managing this side effect.
Women, Sexual Health, and Cancer
Many women affected by cancer worry about their sexual health. Sexual health is an important part of life. Sexual health is more than sex. It is the physical, psychological, emotional, and social aspects of sex. This article addresses some common questions about sexual health and cancer for women.
Men, Sexual Health, and Cancer
Many men affected by cancer worry about their sexual health. Sexual health is an important part of life. Sexual health is more than sex. It is the physical, psychological, emotional, and social aspects of sex. This article addresses some common questions about sexual health and cancer for men.