Side effects are problems that happen when your breast cancer treatment affects healthy tissues or organs. There are many different types of side effects, and whether they occur depends on a variety of factors. Some can be short-term, while others last longer or continue through time.

Ongoing treatment for metastatic breast cancer tends to heighten risk for some side effects. Sometimes, symptoms grow slowly over time. Others may happen more quickly, be more severe or take longer to go away with each cycle of treatment. Many side effects are connected to specific medicines, regiments or therapies.

Side effects can be distressing, but today there are many ways to prevent and manage them. Talking openly with your providers can help you. In this section, we discuss different side effects, when and how likely they are to occur and the treatments connected to them. You will also learn ways to prevent side effects, if possible, and methods to manage or treat them. We also give you tips to describe side effects, as well as ways to start a conversation with your providers.

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