Managing cancer treatment side-effects

Article Author: Rachel Rawson, Lead Cancer Nurse Specialist, Perci Health

The period after cancer treatment is challenging for most people. There’s physical recovery to contend with – perhaps from surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy – while dealing with the side-effects of these treatments and the emotional impact of the diagnosis itself.

In this article, we look at the following three common side-effects of cancer and cancer treatment, and the types of support that can really help.

1. Cancer-related fatigue

Around two-thirds of people who have had cancer treatment will experience fatigue [1]. Cancer-related fatigue can have a profound impact on someone’s life. Physically, you or your loved one might need to do less and rest more, and find it has an effect on concentration and overall wellbeing. Emotionally, you might feel low, disinterested or depressed. People with cancer-related fatigue may find they are interacting with people less, experiencing issues at work and in relationships, and are more dependent on others. Whilst it can take time for fatigue to improve there is good evidence that exercise helps.

Support type: Physiotherapy

The benefit of seeing a specialist cancer physiotherapist is their knowledge and experience in cancer-related fatigue. They can help with pacing, creating a physical activity plan, which may involve just one activity each day. If it’s a good day, it can be a little more intense. After treatment, exercises will be tailored to symptoms, including cardiovascular exercises like walking or a static bike, as well as stretching. Consultations may also cover sleep and how to improve it, which is important when working with fatigue. 

2. Cancer-related cognitive impairment

Changes to memory and concentration after cancer treatment are known as ‘Cancer Related Cognitive Impairment’ or CRCI. It can be experienced in different ways, including memory loss, attention deficits – such as being unable to concentrate on work tasks or conversations – word finding difficulties and concentration issues, and can affect up to three-quarters of cancer patients. Changes to memory and concentration can affect work, relationships and everyday situations, leading to a sense of isolation, and have a negative impact on a person’s quality of life.

Support type: Psychology

While working with a psychologist can’t cure CRCI it can help you to understand the impact it’s having on your life and to cope better with it. A psychologist will look at your experience of these challenges, and also work through expectations and goals you might have. 

Lots of people struggle with being too hard on themselves. The anxiety can drive us to overdo it, push ourselves too much or set unrealistic goals, which can cause another level of distress. A psychologist can help those after a diagnosis of cancer to think about what recovery looks like, and how they can be more accepting of where they are right now.

3. Treatment-induced menopause

Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy and radiotherapy can affect the way the ovaries work, causing a temporary or early menopause.

Support type: CBT

Cognitive behavioural therapy (or CBT) involves looking at the significant link between thoughts, physical reactions (such as hot flushes) behaviours and feelings, and how these work in a cycle. By becoming aware and modifying thoughts, a CBT practitioner can help someone create a new cycle, one that is healthier and where they are more in control. CBT sessions also offer regular, protected time to explore your thoughts and feelings around the menopause, and the physical changes experienced.

Three ways employers can support individuals affected by cancer

1. Explain their rights
Employers should let employees affected by cancer know about the laws that apply to their situation. The Equality Act 2010 protects those in England, Scotland, and Wales. The Equality Act applies to all people who have cancer from the point of diagnosis, regardless of the type of cancer they have. It also extends to those who have previously had cancer. In Northern Ireland, the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 protects those with cancer against discrimination. 

2. Offer reasonable adjustments

The Equality Act 2010 means that employees diagnosed with cancer, even when treatment has finished, can negotiate reasonable adjustments to their work or workplace. Reasonable adjustments include any changes that an employer can make that diminish or eliminate barriers they may face while doing their job, such as: 

• Phased return to work
• Flexible working hours
• Extra breaks
• Amendments to duties
• Changes to performance targets
• Work equipment
• Working environment and accessibility

3. Consider financial assistance and employee benefits

Aside from paying Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) and signposting employees to information about government benefits and charity grants, you can provide financial assistance by updating policies and implementing additional employee benefits such as paid sick leave, private health coverage, a lifestyle spending account and on-demand support.

Through our Group Critical Illness cover, employees (or an eligible loved one ) diagnosed with cancer have access to Specialist Cancer Care, delivered by Perci Health, a CQC registered virtual cancer clinic and MacMillan Cancer Support partner.  Find out how it helps.

1. Cancer Research UK

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