When suffering from cancer, the symptoms and complications can vary depending on the type you may be dealing with. The different types of cancer treatment methods are administered for either complete recovery or to relieve the symptoms and pain. These cancer treatments can cause side effects and health complications for patients which can make cancer even more stressful than it already is. These complications and side effects can vary by cancer type, treatment, individual traits, and other factors.

Cancer patients can experience the following health complications:

1. Pain
Pain is the most common symptom among cancer patients. However, not all forms of cancer are painful. Various medications and other forms of treatment approaches are followed to relieve the pain.

2. Constipation or diarrhea
Cancer and the treatments involved to cure it can influence bowel movements. As a result, cancer patients can often experience constipation or diarrhea.

3. Fatigue
Cancer patients often feel exhausted even after adequate rest. There can be many causes for this. Most times, this symptom can be controlled. People undergoing common cancer treatments, such as radiation or chemotherapy can also experience temporary fatigue.

4. The immune system’s reaction to cancer
Sometimes, the immune system can react unusually to cancer by killing healthy cells. This type of condition is also called paraneoplastic syndrome, which can further lead to symptoms such as seizures or difficulty in walking.

5. Chemical imbalance
Cancer can affect the normal chemical balance in the body, causing symptoms such as frequent urination, confusion, and excessive thirst.

6. Nausea
Cancer and the various forms of treatments are responsible for nausea. Doctors understand how likely it is for patients to feel nauseous. Hence, they suggest different types of medication to reduce or prevent this feeling.

7. Loss of bodyweight
Often cancer uses up the body’s energy supply and deprives the cells of their required nutrients. Besides that, depending on the location of cancer (either the pancreas or stomach), people may experience bloating, which causes them to consume less food. As a result, these two factors cause weight loss.

8. Difficulty in breathing
Cancer patients can also have a hard time breathing due to cancer or because of treatments. Further, certain treatments can prove to be effective, relieving patients.

9. Complications related to the brain and nervous system
If the cancer grows in size, it can cause pressure on the surrounding nerves resulting in pain and loss of function in any particular body part. Cancer that is related to the brain can cause frequent headaches and show symptoms similar to that of a stroke.

10. Recurrence of cancer
Apart from all these complications, people who survive cancer are always at a risk of its recurrence. One must follow their doctor’s advice to reduce the chances of recurrence. Besides, they should also follow the post-treatment care plan, including periodic medical tests as suggested by their doctors.

It is important to remember that complications grow with the progress of cancer. So, one should consult their physician, take precautions, and look out for signs to detect cancer.