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Chemotherapy: Pros and cons
By Mayo Clinic staff| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Destroys cancer cells that may have spread to other parts of your body through the bloodstream or lymph system | May cause short-term side effects such as hair loss, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, lowered blood counts, appetite loss, diarrhea, infection, bruising, bleeding, psychological distress and mouth sores |
| When used before surgery, sometimes decreases tumor size | May result in long-term side effects such as infertility in premenopausal women and a slightly increased risk of heart damage and leukemia |
| Improves length of survival and reduces chance of recurrence | May cause increased loss of bone density in some women, putting them at higher risk of osteoporosis |
| Usually doesn't require a hospital stay |
