Cancer treatments can cause negative side effects that can occur when normal cells are damaged by cancer treatment. Not everyone will have the same side effects. Discuss any side effects you have with your healthcare team to see how they can help. If you or a loved one are living with small cell lung cancer, learn about common side effects and how to manage them in this brochure.

Constipation

When bowel movements (stools) become less frequent or difficult to pass.

Constipation Management
Diarrhea

In very basic terms, this is “loose stool”.

Diarrhea Management
Hair Loss

A response to treatment that occurs when hair follicles are impacted.

Hair Loss Management
Loss of Appetite

Common treatment side effect that can also be a cancer symptom.

Loss of Appetite Management
Low Red Blood Cell Count

A decrease in the number of red blood cells in the body.

Low Red Blood Cell Count Management
Low White Blood Cell Count

A decrease in the number of white blood cells in the body.

Low White Blood Cell Count Management
Nausea and Vomiting

The need to vomit or actually vomiting due to treatment side effects.

Nausea and Vomiting Management
Shortness of Breath

Common side effect when you feel like you can’t get enough air into your lungs.

Shortness of Breath Management
Skin Reaction

Some cancer treatments can cause skin reactions that range from mild to severe.

Skin Reaction Management
Throat Soreness

Some treatments can make your throat become inflamed and swollen.

Throat Soreness Management
Tiredness and Fatigue

Excessive feeling of tiredness.

Tiredness and Fatigue Management