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Common Side Effects of Blood Cancer and its Treatment

Blood Cancer Side Effects

Both blood cancer and its treatment can cause side effects that can have a significant impact on a patient’s quality of life. However, the type and severity will vary between individuals, depending on the type of blood cancer or treatment used, and how an individual responds to it. In general, more intensive forms of blood cancer and blood cancer treatment are associated with more severe side effects. It is important to report any symptoms you are having to your doctor or nurse. In most cases they can be treated and are reversible.

Common Side Effects:

Bone and Joint Pain

In this module, we explore bone and joint pain. which can be a common side effect of blood cancer and its treatment, and it can have a significant impact on your quality of life.

This module covers commonly asked questions, myths about bone and joint pain, and some tips and resources to help manage it.


Hair Loss

Hair loss is a common side effect of some blood cancer treatments, and for many, it can have a profound impact on one’s sense of identity.

In this module, we answer some commonly asked questions and address some myths around hair loss, and share some tips to help manage its physical and emotional effects.


Peripheral neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy is a broad term that describes any changes to the nerves and their function in the body’s extremities, most commonly the feet and the legs.

It can be a common side effect of blood cancer & its treatment, and have a significant impact on one’s quality of life. In this module, we answer some commonly asked questions and address some myths around peripheral neuropathy, and share some tips to help manage its physical and emotional effects.


Sleep disturbance

Sleep plays a vital role in our overall health and wellbeing, and not getting enough of it can have significant effects on both our short and long term health. For blood cancer patients, the importance of a good night’s sleep is only amplified.

Sleep disturbance can be a common side effect of blood cancer and its treatment. In this module, we answer some commonly asked questions and address some myths around sleep disturbance, and share some tips to help get a better night’s sleep while living with blood cancer.

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Last updated on July 19th, 2024

Developed by the Leukaemia Foundation in consultation with people living with a blood cancer, Leukaemia Foundation support staff, haematology nursing staff and/or Australian clinical haematologists. This content is provided for information purposes only and we urge you to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis, treatment and answers to your medical questions, including the suitability of a particular therapy, service, product or treatment in your circumstances. The Leukaemia Foundation shall not bear any liability for any person relying on the materials contained on this website.