Blood cancer side effects
Side effects are the unwanted effects of blood cancer treatment. Some people experience these effects as a result of the cancer itself, even if they aren't having treatment.
![Head and shoulders shot of David, standing against a brick wall.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/bcuk.cdn.ngo/images/David_2_231030.2e16d0ba.fill-410x220.jpg)
Itching
If you have blood cancer you might experience itchy skin. Itching can be a symptom of blood cancer itself, or it may be caused by the treatment you are having.
![Black and white photograph of Simone, with medium length curly hair, looking serious and pulling at one curl.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/bcuk.cdn.ngo/images/Simone_short_hair.dc4b0cc5.fill-410x220.jpg)
Hair loss
Blood cancer treatment often causes hair loss as a side effect. It can be an upsetting side effect, but there's lots you can do to feel better about it.
![A hand holding a pregnancy test](https://cdn.statically.io/img/bcuk.cdn.ngo/images/iStock-1137968177.2e16d0ba.fill-410x220.jpg)
Fertility problems
Fertility problems can be a side effect of blood cancer treatment. There are things that can help, from preserving fertility before treatment, to emotional and practical support.
![A person, alone, looking away with a thoughtful expression](https://cdn.statically.io/img/bcuk.cdn.ngo/images/shane-tRVJtp3jB-A-unsplash.f0d8d0e1.fill-410x220.jpg)
Brain fog
Lots of people with blood cancer get brain fog as a side effect of treatment. There are things you can do to help.
![Spinal cord](https://cdn.statically.io/img/bcuk.cdn.ngo/images/peripheral_neuropathy.2e16d0ba.fill-410x220.jpg)
Peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage)
Peripheral neuropathy is a condition of the nerves. It can be painful, but there are lots of things that can help.
![Image of a mirror standing on a dressing table.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/bcuk.cdn.ngo/images/Mirror_unsplash_alex_lopez_JR1ChBg.2e16d0ba.fill-410x220.jpg)
Coping with changes to your body or appearance
Blood cancer treatment can change the way you look and feel about your body - your body image.
![Someone sleeping in bed](https://cdn.statically.io/img/bcuk.cdn.ngo/images/sleep_DLLMC5a.2e16d0ba.fill-410x220.jpg)
Sleep problems
Struggling with sleep is a common side effect of having blood cancer or treatment but there are things you and your doctor can do to help.
![Profile photo of psychotherapist Surabhi, who is outside in the sun, wearing glasses and smiling.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/bcuk.cdn.ngo/images/Surabhi_Chaturvedi.2e16d0ba.fill-410x220.jpg)
Side effects Q&A with a psychotherapist
Lots of people struggle with their emotions when having blood cancer treatment. We spoke to a psychotherapist about what can help.
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Infection risk and neutropenia
Because blood cancer affects the body’s immune system, people with blood cancer can be at greater risk of infection.
![Woman lying on sofa looking tired.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/bcuk.cdn.ngo/images/mel-elias-fatigue-unsplash.2e16d0ba.fill-410x220.jpg)
Sickness and vomiting
Some blood cancers and treatments for blood cancer can make you feel sick (nausea) and, sometimes, cause you to be sick (vomit).
![Glass of water with ice cubes](https://cdn.statically.io/img/bcuk.cdn.ngo/images/water-ice-giorgio-trovato-unsplash.cd045ec4.fill-410x220.jpg)
Sore mouth or gut (mucositis)
Mucositis is a common side effect of some blood cancer treatments. It affects your gastrointestinal tract, which includes your mouth and gut.
![Rob, who has CML, makes a smoothie with a young family, placing fruit into a blender.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/bcuk.cdn.ngo/images/1259scr_c0e5d389097349b.2e16d0ba.fill-320x240.jpg)
Living well
Practical tips and real stories to help you with everyday life