All types of cancers are treated by one or more of the normal methods of treatment. While some side effects go away as the patient’s overall health improves, some side effects have a delayed impact. The high amount of steroids, anti-cancer medication, and the other therapies could lead to some long-term side effects like:

• Removal of an organ due to surgery leads to disruption and complications in normal bodily functions.
• Removal of a limb could lead to restricted mobility and emotional issues.
• Women could feel the early onset of menopause due to hormonal changes
• The onset of osteoporosis resulting in joint pain.
• Loss of bladder control.
• Infertility.
• Changes in thyroid levels.
• Loss of hearing and vision problems if high doses of chemotherapy and radiation therapy have been used.
• Damage to the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.
• Peripheral neuropathy resulting in memory and attention problems.

Apart from these, patients are at a higher risk of side effects that can lead to cardiovascular conditions and lung disease.

Side effects that affect the heart
Radiotherapy to the chest and medications used for chemotherapy can cause heart problems. Those who are at higher risk of heart complications are:

• Older people.
• Those who have received multiple doses of chemotherapy.
• Those who were treated for lymphoma as a child.
• Patients who have been treated with certain medications like Herceptin, Ogivri, Doxil, and Adriamycin are at higher risk of heart problems.

Some of the heart problems a person can face after many years of treatment are:

• Coronary heart disease: A higher dose of chemo medicines can lead to chest pain and shortness of breath.
• Arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat resulting in chest pain, shortness of breath, and feeling lightheaded. These symptoms are misread as something else and often ignored until it becomes severe.
• Heart failure: The anti-cancer medications can lead to the weakening of the heart muscle. One could notice dizziness, shortness of breath, and swelling in the hands or feet.

Doctors are bound to explain to the patient and their family the side effects of some anti-cancer medications that can lead to heart conditions. Therefore, the patient has to be aware and conscious of any changes in his health and if they feel any symptoms listed above that indicate a heart condition, they should immediately meet a doctor.

Even if there are no specific symptoms, doctors recommend and sometimes insist that they do a thorough screening and get a physical exam done every year to assess their overall health and functioning of specific organs, especially the heart.

Patients also have to take adequate steps to prevent any additional risk or burden on the heart by:

• Regular monitoring of blood pressure.
• Periodic physical exams and undergoing tests like ECG to monitor the functioning of the heart.
• Completely give up smoking and alcohol.
• Engage in light physical activity and increase gradually as they get better.
• Maintain a positive attitude and believe that they will be cured.