Chemotherapy side effects resources

Chemotherapy treatment can cause different side effects. We have resources with more information. Find blogs, videos, booklets and audiobooks about the side effects of chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy side effects

Chemotherapy can cause a variety of side effects, but everyone’s experience is different.

In this video, Dr Olubukola Ayodele (Consultant Medical Oncologist) and Paige Mitchell (Lead Chemotherapy Sister) explain why chemotherapy causes side effects and the common side effects of chemotherapy. Mariam also shares her story.  

The cover of the side effects from chemotherapy easy read. The illustrations includes different people. One person is sitting on an armchair and they have an IV drip attached to their arm. One person is wearing a head scarf. One person looks unhappy and is holding up a fork with food on it. Lastly one person wearing a hijab appears to be sick.
Side effects from chemotherapy - easy read
Our easy read booklet explains the side effects from chemotherapy using simple language and pictures.

Resources if you're experiencing hair changes

Real stories: Hair loss, identity and cancer treatment
People affected by cancer share their stories of hair loss during treatment and what helped them through it.
Watch: Hair loss and cancer video
This video shares real experiences of hair loss during cancer treatment from people affected by cancer.
Booklet: Coping with hair loss
This booklet is for anyone whose hair may be affected by cancer treatment. 
Audiobook: Coping with hair loss
Listen to this audiobook about hair loss.

Resources for tiredness (fatigue)

Blog: Tips to manage fatigue
The tips in our blog can help you save energy and rest when you need to,
Booklet: Coping with fatigue
This booklet is about coping with fatigue caused by cancer or its treatment. 
Blog: Insomnia and cancer
Exploring sleep challenges and practical ways to cope with cancer-related insomnia.
Watch: Cancer fatigue explained
Watch British Sign Language enabled videos about cancer fatigue (tiredness).

Sex life and fertility resources

Booklet: Cancer and fertility
This booklet is about how cancer and cancer treatments can affect fertility.
Booklet: Cancer and pregnancy
This is for anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer during pregnancy.
Booklet: Cancer and your sex life
Read how cancer and its treatment may affect your sex life.
Easy read: Your sex life and cancer
An easy read booklet about how cancer can affect your sex life and things that can help.

Resources for skin and nail changes

Booklet: Feel more like you
Read expert advice for your skin, nails and hair during cancer treatment.
Real stories: Self image and cancer
People share their experiences and how they dealt with their self image and cancer.
Booklet: Body image and cancer
Read how cancer and its treatment may affect your body image.
Audiobook: Body image and cancer
This audiobook is for anyone who is worried about changes to their body caused by cancer treatment.

Real stories from people affected by cancer

A woman in is sitting on a front door step looking at the camera. She has long blonde hair and a tattoo on her arm.
Ali

"No one talks about how this diagnosis and a hysterectomy makes you feel or about the effect it could have on relationships or sex life."

Woman sitting on a wooden bench indoors, wearing a cap and jacket, holding a cup.
Lauren

"When I was in hospital, I called my friend who is a barber to come shave it all off. It was the most empowering thing I've ever done in my whole entire life."

Charlie is sitting on a chair holding a microphone and smiling. He has a short beard and is wearing a black tshirt.
Charlie

"I tried to keep moving as much as I could, or when I could. Obviously, there would come a point where I’d find I had no energy."

More stories

Online Community

Macmillan’s Online Community is a free online space where you can talk to people who have been affected by cancer, share your experience, and ask an expert your questions.

Information in other languages and formats
Our trusted cancer information is available in different languages and formats, so you can access it in the way that works best for you.
Translations and other formats

How we can help

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

 

Call us free on 0808 808 0000
8am to 8pm, 7 days a week. You can talk to our cancer specialists about anything.
Email the Macmillan Support Line
Email the Macmillan Support Team if you have any questions.
Chat online
Available 8am to 7.45pm, 7 days a week. For confidential, real-time support if you don’t want to call.
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.
Find cancer support services 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.