Side Effects

Remember that everyone's body works differently. Just because something is not highly ranked doesn't mean that it won't help you. For example, many people find that yoga helps cancer-induced fatigue; but because few clinical studies have examined that claim, yoga doesn't rank as high as other recommendations.

Use these tools as you talk with your specialist and others. Keep asking questions until you get the resources and answers you need.

How do you navigate this area?

Treatment Recommendations

The side effect treatments are listed in this site by rankings based upon clinical studies and are marked with a number of stars as shown below. Note - you can click the top of the gray bar to expand or close the content.

The ONS Web site lists clinical studies conducted on these topics.

Printable PDF

This icon appears on each treatment page and links to a printable PDF version of the treatment recommendations. Download Adobe Reader to view and print PDF files.

Most Helpful

Clinical studies conducted to date indicate that these are the most helpful ways to manage the side effect.

Likely to Be Helpful

These treatments have been found to be helpful, but not many clinical studies have been done to verify their effectiveness.

May or May Not Be Helpful

These treatments have shown to help lessen problems with a particular side effect, but they also may carry some risks. As with all treatments, discuss pros and cons with your specialist.

Not Enough Evidence

Although these approaches may be helpful, not enough large studies have been done to show that the recommendation will help most people who try it.

Not Likely to Be Helpful

"Not likely to be helpful" means that only a few small studies have been undertaken to assess whether these treatments are effective.