Physical impacts of cancer and treatment

You might experience a range of physical symptoms and side effects during cancer treatment. Find out more about them, and how you can cope with them.
Impacts of cancer A to Z
Pain

People with cancer may have pain for a number of reasons. Different healthcare professionals can help you manage your pain in hospital or at home.
Tiredness and fatigue

Fatigue is feeling very tired most, or all, of the time. It is a very common problem for people with cancer.
Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
If you are having trouble sleeping, there are things you can do that may help improve your sleep.
Breathlessness and cancer

Cancer and its treatments may cause breathlessness. There are different ways to help manage breathlessness.

Nausea and vomiting
Cancer and its treatment can make you feel sick (nauseous) or be sick (vomit). There are drugs that can help control this.
Infection
Cancer and its treatments can weaken the immune system. It is important to try and avoid infection if your immunity is reduced.
Lymphoedema

Lymphoedema can develop months or even years after cancer treatment. If you are living with lymphoedema we have information and support for you.
Hair loss
Cancer treatments can cause hair loss. We have information about wigs, hats, scalp care and more to help you deal with hair loss.
Bladder and bowel problems
Some types of cancer treatment can cause side effects that affect your bladder and bowel. There are things you can do to manage these.
Benefits calculator - what are you entitled to?
Our online calculator can help you find out which benefits and financial support you could be entitled to. It's easy to use and you can use it if you have cancer or if you are caring for someone with cancer.
Start the calculator

How we can help

Macmillan Support Line
The Macmillan Support Line is a free and confidential phone service for people living and affected by cancer. If you need to talk, we'll listen. 

 

Call us on 0808 808 00 00
8am to 8pm. It's free to call from landlines and mobiles within the UK.
Email us
Get in touch via this form
Chat online
Every day 8am - 8pm.
Online Community

Chat online anonymously to others who understand what you are going through. Our community is available 24/7 and has dedicated forums where you can get advice and ask our experts.
Help in your area
What's going on near you? Find out about support groups, where to get information and how to get involved with Macmillan where you live.
Translations and other formats
We provide information about the physical impacts of cancer in 16 different languages and other formats, including audiobooks and video. You can also request information in other languages or formats.