Sometimes, chemotherapy may cause you to have side effects that remain 6 months after treatment or that begin years afterward. These are called late effects and may include early menopause, which increases the risk of osteoporosis, infertility, or peripheral neuropathy.

Different drugs cause different side effects; your doctor can explain the specific side effects of your treatment.

Taking care of your general health and looking after your heart, bones, and lungs can help reduce your risk of developing certain late effects. This can be done by:

• Engaging in regular physical activity
• Keeping a healthy weight and eating a healthy diet
• Not smoking

It is important to remember that late effects are uncommon, and any risk of them appearing is outweighed by the benefits of chemotherapy.