Fortunately, the benefits of chemotherapy far outweigh the risks. When to call your cancer care team about side effects While many side effects are temporary, others may indicate serious problems. Contact your care team if you have any of the following symptoms during chemotherapy treatment: A fever higher than what your cancer care team has ... Some common side effects of chemotherapy include infection, bleeding easily, hair loss, and nausea or vomiting. Learn how to manage these and others here. Chemotherapy refers to medications given to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells. However, because chemotherapy works throughout the body (for example on all cells in a particular stage of development), healthy cells are attacked as well as cancerous ones. Because healthy cells are also damaged during chemotherapy, side effects are likely. Chemotherapy refers to medications given to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells. However, because chemotherapy works throughout the body (for example on all cells in a particular stage of development), healthy cells are attacked as well as cancerous ones. Because healthy cells are also damaged during chemotherapy, side effects are likely. Chemotherapy commonly causes nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, and low blood cell counts that lead to anemia and increased risk ...