Cancer Care
- Adult Cancers
- Pediatric Cancers
- Patient Stories
- Our Physicians: At Work
- For Healthcare Professionals
Clinical Trials
Specialized Treatments & Services
Symptom Management
Risk Assessment & Screening
Professional Counseling
Sexual Health & Fertility
Patient Activities
Patient Support
Health & Well-Being
Practical Support
Specialized Resources
Health Information
Services for Survivors
Information for Survivors
Survivorship Clinics
About Our Care
Patient Care Facilities
Practical Information
Runtime
12:00
Treatment for breast cancer can lead to long-term physical effects, some of which may arise after treatment ends and last for many years. These can include anemia, fatigue, lymphedema, neuropathy, and osteoporosis. Nurse practitioner Megan Dunne discusses possible physical side effects after treatment and explains those related to specific therapies.
Related Cancer & Treatment Information
Related Topics
anemia (uh-NEE-mee-uh)
A condition in which the number of red blood cells is below normal.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
breast (brest)
Glandular organ located on the chest. The breast is made up of connective tissue, fat, and breast tissue that contains the glands that can make milk. Also called mammary gland.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
cancer (KAN-ser)
A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade nearby tissues. Cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. There are several main types of cancer. Carcinoma is a cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is a cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia is a cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood. Lymphoma and multiple myeloma are cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system. Central nervous system cancers are cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord. Also called malignancy.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
fatigue (fuh-TEEG)
A condition marked by extreme tiredness and inability to function due lack of energy. Fatigue may be acute or chronic.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
lymphedema (LIM-fuh-DEE-muh)
A condition in which extra lymph fluid builds up in tissues and causes swelling. It may occur in an arm or leg if lymph vessels are blocked, damaged, or removed by surgery.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
neuropathy (noor-AH-puh-thee)
A nerve problem that causes pain, numbness, tingling, swelling, or muscle weakness in different parts of the body. It usually begins in the hands or feet and gets worse over time. Neuropathy may be caused by physical injury, infection, toxic substances, disease (such as cancer, diabetes, kidney failure, or malnutrition), or drugs, including anticancer drugs. Also called peripheral neuropathy.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
nurse (nurs)
A health professional trained to care for people who are ill or disabled.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
osteoporosis (OS-tee-oh-puh-ROH-sis)
A condition that is marked by a decrease in bone mass and density, causing bones to become fragile.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
practitioner (prak-TIH-shuh-ner)
A person who works in a specific profession. For example, a doctor or nurse is a healthcare practitioner.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
Online Educational Programs Survey
We would like your feedback to help us plan future programs and videos. Please take five minutes to complete this survey about our videos.
Inside MSKCC
|
©2013 Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center