Last updated: January 2026 | Written by: Anti-na Team

How Chemotherapy Works

Cancer happens when your body's cells divide too quickly and form a tumor.

Once diagnosed, there are different treatment options like radiation, surgery, hormone therapy, bone marrow transplant, and chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy is the most common treatment. It uses strong drugs to destroy cancer cells.

Depending on your situation, chemo may be used in different ways:

• Adjuvant therapy – Chemo destroys cancer cells after radiation or surgery
• Curative therapy – Chemo is the only treatment used to cure cancer
• Neoadjuvant therapy – Chemo shrinks the tumor before radiation or surgery
• Palliative therapy – Chemo shrinks the tumor and reduces symptoms in advanced cancer

Chemo can be given as an injection, IV infusion, pill, or topical cream.

Why Chemo Has Side Effects

Chemo targets all fast-growing cells, not just cancer cells.

This means healthy cells in your skin, hair, and digestive system can also be damaged. That's why side effects happen.

Hair loss is the most well-known side effect, affecting as many as 65% of chemo patients.

But there are many other side effects that people don't talk about as much.

8 Lesser Known Chemotherapy Side Effects

Most chemo side effects go away once treatment stops.

However, some may not show up until much later. These are called "late effects."

Here are 8 lesser-known side effects you might experience:

1. Weakened Blood and Immune System

Chemo can reduce your healthy red blood cells. This causes anemia.

It can also lower your white blood cell count (neutropenia) and platelet count (thrombocytopenia).

Chemo can also affect your heart, leading to heart muscle disease (cardiomyopathy) or irregular heartbeat.

2. Nervous System Problems and Chemo Brain

Your central nervous system controls emotions, thoughts, and coordination.

Chemo often affects this system. It can make it hard to think or concentrate. This is called "chemo brain."

Chemo can damage nerves and cause:

3. Digestive System Problems

Chemo drugs can cause pain in your mouth or throat.

They can also affect your stomach and digestive system.

4. Damage to Skin, Hair, and Nails

Chemo affects your skin, hair, and nails.

Hair loss is the most obvious side effect. But there are others:

5. Sexual and Reproductive Changes

Chemo causes hormone changes in both men and women.

6. Kidney and Bladder Problems

Your kidneys filter chemo drugs out of your body.

This can irritate or damage your kidneys and bladder.

7. Weakened Bones

Bone loss happens naturally as we age.

But chemo drugs speed up this process. This leads to weak bones and osteoporosis.

Your spine, hips, and wrists can fracture more easily.

A healthy diet, vitamin D supplements, and regular exercise can help strengthen your bones and reduce fracture risk.

8. Mental Health Impact

Cancer and chemo are overwhelming.

The stress and fear that come with treatment can deeply affect your mental health. But this is often not talked about enough.

Chemo can cause intense emotions:

Rare Side Effects of Chemotherapy

Does chemo have rare side effects? Unfortunately, yes.

While the symptoms above are fairly common, chemo can also cause rare side effects like:

• Pancreatitis
• Watery eyes
• Neutropenic enterocolitis
• Red blood cell damage
• Acne-like skin conditions

Anti-na: Relief for Nausea and Fatigue

Chemotherapy is highly effective. But it's also extremely hard on your body.

Some symptoms just have to be accepted as part of treatment.

But others can be reduced or managed with the right tools.

Fatigue and nausea are two of the biggest challenges during chemo. The good news? They can be managed with Anti-na supplements.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you are undergoing chemotherapy or cancer treatment.