Managing the Side Effects of Cancer Treatment

Hormonal therapy is now being used earlier in the treatment of prostate cancer and men are living longer after treatment. Some common side effects of hormonal therapy and ways to manage them are listed below.

Effects on sexual function. Suppression of testosterone can cause a loss of sexual desire (libido), and can make it hard or impossible for a man to have an erection (erectile dysfunction). While there is no treatment to improve libido, there are several treatment options that may help with erectile dysfunction.

Hot flashes. A hot flash, also called a hot flush, is a sudden rush of warmth to the face, neck, upper chest, and back that can last for a few seconds to an hour or more. Strategies for managing hot flashes include:

• Medications
• Relaxation training
• Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods
• Wearing absorbent cotton clothing in layers that can be easily removed
• Using sprays or moist wipes to help lower skin temperature

Fatigue. A common problem in men with cancer is fatigue or a lack of energy. Many things can cause fatigue, such as anemia, depression, pain, poor nutrition, medication, and not sleeping well. Some ways to prevent fatigue include:

• Going to bed at a regular time
• Taking short "power" naps during the day
• Engaging in an exercise routine, with doctor's supervision.
• Eating healthy foods and drinking plenty of fluids
• If anemia is contributing to fatigue, blood growth stimulators such as epoetin alfa or blood transfusions may be prescribed

Osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disorder in which bones become porous and less dense and break more easily. Various treatments for prostate cancer can speed up the loss of bone density that normally occurs as men get older.

The following suggestions are recommended for people at risk for osteoporosis:

• Take calcium and vitamin D supplements
• Get regular physical activity, particularly weight-bearing exercises that put stress on bones, such as jogging, stair climbing, dancing, and resistance exercises such as weight lifting
• Quit smoking
• Modify alcohol intake

Weight gain and loss of muscle mass. Weight gain can be a significant problem for men taking hormonal therapy. Muscle mass also can be lost due to the lack of testosterone. Exercising, including weight-bearing exercise, is a good way of helping to keep weight down and increase muscle mass.

Emotional changes. A man may experience depression and moodiness during hormonal therapy. See your doctor to determine if antidepressant therapy may be helpful, and exercise may help ease anxiety.

Hair changes. Men on hormonal therapy may loose body hair. Facial hair may become softer and the patient may need to shave less. However, hair on the head tends to increase.

 

Hormonal Therapies for Women

The side effects of hormonal therapy in women tend to be less severe than those caused by chemotherapy. However, hormonal therapy is often taken for long periods of time and symptoms can last throughout treatment if they are not treated.

Below are some ways to cope with some of the common side effects of hormonal therapy.

Hot flashes. A hot flash, also called a hot flush, is a sudden rush of warmth to the face, neck, upper chest, and back that can last for a few seconds to an hour or more. The following are some treatment options for managing hot flashes, a common side effect with hormonal therapy:

• Medications
• Relaxation training
• Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods
• Wearing absorbent cotton clothing in layers that can be easily removed
• Using sprays or moist wipes to help lower skin temperature

Vaginal dryness and other vaginal issues.Vaginal dryness and/or discharge can be bothersome. Vaginal moisturizers and lubricants can help with this symptom.

In addition to vaginal dryness, women may also experience vaginal thinning and difficult or painful intercourse. Lubricants can help with some of these problems, as well.

Vaginal infections may also occur more frequently. Over the counter antifungal creams can provide relief for infections, but a woman should contact her gynecologist for symptoms that do not go away.

Fatigue. A common problem in women with cancer is fatigue or a lack of energy. Many things can cause fatigue, such as anemia, depression, pain, poor nutrition, medication, and inadequate sleep. Some ways to prevent fatigue include:

• Going to bed at a regular time
• Taking short "power" naps during the day
• Engaging in an exercise routine, with doctor's supervision..
• Eating healthy foods and drinking plenty of fluids
• If anemia is contributing to fatigue, blood growth stimulators such as epoetin alfa or blood transfusions may be prescribed

Weight gain. A daily exercise routine of 20 to 30 minutes per day and a weight management program can be helpful. Eating foods low in fat such as fruits and vegetables are a good idea. Check with your physician before beginning or altering an exercise program.

Mood swings. Nervousness, depression, and anxiety are some of the symptoms that women may experience in response to a diagnosis of breast cancer. These may become stronger when a woman receives hormonal therapy. Relaxation, meditation, and yoga may be useful in controlling mood swings. Exercise may help toward boosting mood and relieving anxiety. Support groups and professional counselors may be helpful for some women. See your doctor to discuss whether antidepressants may be prescribed.

Cough. Certain hormonal therapies can increase coughing symptoms. Women should try to drink at least 8 glasses of fluid a day to keep the lining of the breathing tube moist. Using a humidifier to increase the moisture in the air is also a good idea. Medicines such as dextromethorphan, and guaifenesin may be used to stop or control coughing.

Osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disorder in which bones become porous and break more easily. Women who have gone through menopause have a higher risk of bone loss.

The following suggestions are recommended for people at risk for osteoporosis:

• Take calcium and vitamin D supplements
• Get regular physical activity, including weight-bearing exercises that put stress on bones, such as jogging, stair climbing, dancing, and resistance exercises such as weight lifting.
• Quit smoking
• Modify alcohol intake

There are also several medications that can help prevent bone loss. Consult with your physician.

 

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