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- Charl Greeff
Late effects of cancer treatment
Although your cancer treatment has come to an end, it’s important to be aware that some effects of the treatment may continue to emerge over time. The therapies that played a critical role in saving your life can also lead to side effects that appear well after treatment has finished.
As more individuals survive cancer and live longer, there is a growing knowledge of these delayed complications, often referred to as “late effects”. Learning about them can help you take a proactive role in your long-term health and well-being.
What are late effects?
Late effects are health problems that develop months or even years after cancer treatment has ended. Many cancer survivors may experience them well into survivorship. These effects can vary in severity and may affect different parts of the body or aspects of mental and emotional health.
Which treatments can cause late effects?
Late effects can result from any of the primary cancer treatment types. These include:
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Hormone therapy
- Surgery
- Targeted therapy
- Immunotherapy
As advances in cancer treatment continue, new therapies are being introduced. While they bring hope for more effective care, it’s also possible that late effects may emerge with these newer treatments as more is learned over time.
Treatment : Late Effects
Treatment : Chemotherapy
• Dental problems • Early menopause • Hearing loss • Heart problems • Increased risk of other cancers • Infertility • Loss of taste • Lung disease • Nerve damage • Memory issues • Osteoporosis • Problems with digestion • Reduced lung capacity
Treatment : Radiation therapy
• Cavities and tooth decay • Early menopause • Heart and vascular problems • Hypothyroidism • Increased risk of other cancers • Increased risk of stroke • Infertility • Intestinal problems • Lung disease • Lymphedema • Memory issues • Osteoporosis
Treatment : Surgery
• Lymphedema
Treatment : Hormone therapy
• Blood clots • Hot flashes • Increased risk of other cancers • Menopausal symptoms • Osteoporosis • Sexual side effects
Treatment : Immunotherapy
• Joint or muscle problems
Treatment : Targeted therapy
• Blood clots • Heart and vascular problems
Brain changes
Certain chemo drugs and brain radiation may cause delayed cognitive or behavioural issues. These effects depend on the brain area treated and may include:
- Memory loss
- Difficulty with math
- Trouble concentrating
- Slower information processing
- Personality changes
- Movement problems
- Radiation necrosis (rare):
- Dead tissue forms at the tumour site
- Can lead to headaches, movement issues, and cognitive difficulties
(National Cancer Institute, 2021).
Not everyone who undergoes cancer treatment experiences all of the late effects. Some individuals might not develop any late effects. (Mayo Clinic, 2022).
It’s also difficult to predict who will experience late or long-term side effects after cancer treatment. Often, it’s not due to a single cause but rather a combination of factors. These may include:
- Type and dose of cancer treatment received
- Severity of side effects during treatment
- Pre-existing health conditions (known or unknown)
- Adherence to survivorship recommendations (e.g. lifestyle, screenings) after cancer treatment
- Quality of survivorship care and expertise of the healthcare team
- Level of support during and after treatment
Questions to ask
Request a treatment plan (includes treatment names, doses, and number of cycles).
After treatment, ask for a treatment summary (includes treatment details and side effects).
Consider asking your care team:
• What long-term or late side effects might I face?
• Am I at higher risk for specific side effects?
• How can I prevent or manage these effects?
• Will treatment affect my fertility?
• Does it raise my risk for other cancers?
• What cancer screenings do I need, and how often?
• Should I see any specialists for follow-up care?
• Can cancer rehab help manage side effects?
• When should I contact my primary vs. cancer care team?
(American Cancer Society, 2024).
This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical/financial advice. Please consult with a healthcare/financial professional for personalised guidance.
References
American Cancer Society. (2024, May 29). Late and Long-term Effects of Cancer. Retrieved from American Cancer Society:
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/survivorship/long-term-health-concerns/long-term-side-effects-of-cancer.html
Mayo Clinic. (2022, November 04). Cancer survivors: Late effects of cancer treatment. Retrieved from Mayo Clinic:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cancer/in-depth/cancer-survivor/art-20045524
National Cancer Institute. (2021, August 06). Late Effects of Cancer Treatment. Retrieved from Late Effects of Cancer Treatment:
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/coping/survivorship/late-effects
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