Managing Late Effects of Cancer Treatment

During cancer treatment most people experience side effects to varying degrees dependent on type of treatment i.e. surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy but these generally subside in the months after treatment finishes.  Some people however experience long-term effects often referred to as late effects.

What are Late effects?

Late effects of cancer treatment can begin shortly after treatment ends or can take several months or perhaps even years to manifest themselves following the end of treatment.

Some examples of late effects include:

• Heart Issues – some cancer treatments may increase the risk of heart problems in the future. Your cancer specialist or nurse will be able to advise you if there is a possible risk of heart issues due to the treatment you have received.
• Lymphoedema – involves swelling usually of the arm or leg where surgery or radiotherapy has affected lymph nodes.  Sometimes more common following breast cancer surgery.  If diagnosed early then it is easier to manage and treat.
• Bone health issues – some hormone therapy drugs can increase the risk of osteoporosis, bone thinning and fractures. In addition pelvic radiotherapy may also increase the risk of fractures in the pelvic area. Having a good diet and doing weight-bearing exercise including walking can help combat bone related late effects.
• Head and neck late effects – for some radiotherapy to the head and neck area can affect their sense of taste and also lead to a dry mouth because of difficulty in saliva production following surgery or treatment. Both surgery and radiotherapy can have long term effects on ability to eat and on speech. Health professionals such as dietitians and speech therapists can help you cope with changes to eating and speech.
• Bowel and bladder late effects - Radiotherapy to the stomach or pelvic area can cause late effects of the bowel and bladder. Some people may have changes to their bowel habits, such as diarrhoea or constipation or to their bladder which may mean they need to pass urine more frequently or experience some leakage.

What support is available for Late Effects?

In 2018 and in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support, Beatson Cancer Charity launched the ‘Late Effects of Pelvic Radiotherapy Clinic’. Its aim is to support patients, both physically and emotionally, with the challenges they may face following pelvic radiotherapy treatment.

Lorraine Whyte, Beatson Cancer Charity Practice Education Radiographer, explains more about the service and the difference it is making.

The diagnosis, treatment and survivorship of cancer have a profound effect on the quality of life and psychological wellbeing of patients. This is not often addressed at follow up appointments and we envisage that this service will enhance the lives and overall wellbeing of patients and their families.

The primary aim of the late effects service is to support and enable cancer patients suffering from debilitating gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms which can sometimes occur as a late consequence of pelvic radiotherapy. For example, bowel dysfunction, bowel urgency, bleeding from bowel and incontinence. This service provides a dedicated and comprehensive care package for patients delivered by a team of specialists.

It is also hoped that this service will become nationally acknowledged as a pioneering, multi-disciplinary approach to managing the consequences of cancer treatment. This will reflect The Beatson’s commitment to offering patients a better quality of life. By including patients in their treatment plan, the aim is to empower and educate them about their ongoing health. This service, endeavours to meet specific patient needs which, if left unaddressed, can damage their ability to lead active and healthy lives.

The service aims to raise awareness of these issues and how to manage them appropriately. We hope that the development of this innovative service will support patients to live as healthy and as good a quality of life, for as long as possible. Lorraine Whyte, Beatson Cancer Charity Practice Education Radiographer.

Where should I go if I need help with late effects of cancer treatment?

If you have late effects, there are usually things that can help you to cope and live life as fully as possible. Your consultant or specialist nurse will be able to tell you whether you are likely to experience late effects from your cancer treatment and recommend ways to cope and manage these effects.

Read more of our cancer treatments blogs here.

Or why not get tailored cancer support information from My Light here.