What are some common side effects of the chemotherapy used to treat breast cancer?

Rebecca J. Jaslow, MD

Academic Title: Clinical Assistant Professor

Board Certifications:
Medical Oncology, Hematology, Internal Medicine

Fortunately, we have many effective chemotherapy agents available for use for breast cancer treatment, and treatment is typically given in an outpatient office. These medications can have very different side effect profiles from each other.

While some chemotherapies do cause nausea, we have excellent supportive medications to control and reduce that particular side effect. Some, but not all, chemotherapies can cause hair loss. Other side effects that we sometimes can see include diarrhea or constipation, neuropathy and low blood counts. 

These days, many women continue to work and go about their daily lives right through their chemotherapy regimens, as we have such effective supportive medications to deal with the side effects.