What is a common side effect that patients on chemotherapy may experience?

Patients undergoing chemotherapy often experience hair loss as a common side effect. This is primarily due to chemotherapy agents targeting rapidly dividing cells, which include not only cancer cells but also healthy cells in hair follicles. As these healthy cells are affected by the treatment, patients may notice thinning hair and eventual hair loss, which can occur on the scalp as well as in other areas of the body.

While increased appetite, enhanced energy levels, and decreased sensitivity to pain may seem appealing, they are not typical effects of chemotherapy. Instead, many chemotherapy patients may face reduced appetite, fatigue, and increased sensitivity to pain due to the impact of systemic treatment on their overall health status. Understanding the common side effects, like hair loss, is crucial for healthcare professionals to help prepare and support patients throughout their treatment journey.