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  1. Home
  2. Information and support
  3. Facing breast cancer
  4. Going through breast cancer treatment

Side effects of treatment

Breast cancer treatments can cause both temporary side effects that stop soon after treatment finishes and longer-term side effects.

Ongoing side effects, such as hot flushes or fatigue (extreme tiredness), can stop you feeling that you’re moving forward after treatment. 

Side effects

Chemotherapy side effects

Chemotherapy side effects

Side effects of chemotherapy for breast cancer are usually temporary and most can be controlled.

Radiotherapy side effects

Radiotherapy side effects

Find the common side effects of radiotherapy treatment for breast cancer and how to manage any symptoms.

lymphedema

Lymphoedema

Understand what lymphoedema is and its effects. 

Blood clots

Blood clots

People with breast cancer have a high risk of blood clots, due to the cancer itself as well as treatment.

Menopausal symptoms

Menopausal symptoms after treatment

Some breast cancer treatments (such as chemotherapy and hormone therapy) can cause menopausal symptoms and hot flushes.

Fatigue

Cancer-related fatigue

Fatigue is extreme tiredness and exhaustion, and may affect you physically and emotionally.

Pain and primary breast cancer

Pain and primary breast cancer

Some treatments for breast cancer may cause lasting pain. Find out more about managing pain and where to find support.

Osteoporosis

Breast cancer and osteoporosis

Some treatments for breast cancer can affect the health of your bones.

Hormone therapy

Hormone therapy

Find out about hormone therapy, why it's given and what side effects you might experience.

Managing side effects

Photo of someone doing up laces on trainers

Exercise and breast cancer

Listen to our podcast for tips on maintaining and improving activity while managing the side effects of breast cancer treatment.

Woman holding a fan

Hot flushes: your questions answered

Read our Helpline nurse answers to your common questions about hot flushes. 

BECCA Breast Cancer Now app

Try Becca

Our Becca app gives you strategies, hints and tips to empower and equip you for life beyond breast cancer treatment.

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Breast Cancer Now is a company limited by guarantee registered in England (9347608) and a charity registered in England and Wales (1160558), Scotland (SC045584) and Isle of Man (1200). Registered Office: Fifth Floor, Ibex House, 42-47 Minories, London EC3N 1DY.