When Cancer Isn’t Your Only Health Problem

Cancer treatments, like some types of chemotherapy (chemo) and targeted therapy, can affect the heart or blood pressure. This can be a concern for older adults, who already have a higher risk of heart and blood pressure problems.

Ask your cancer care team if your cancer treatment or any of your new medicines might affect your heart or blood pressure. Your care team may adjust them to protect your heart during cancer treatment. They may also test your heart function and blood pressure often during treatment.

Some types of chemo, immunotherapy, or radiation to the chest may increase your risk of inflammation of the lungs, cough, or shortness of breath. Tell your cancer care team if you have a chronic lung condition before starting cancer treatment. These include asthma, emphysema, and COPD.

If you have diabetes, you need to monitor your blood sugar (blood glucose) levels closely during cancer treatment. Some chemo treatments and medicines used for side effects, such as steroids, can raise your blood sugar levels. Levels might also go up because you are less physically active or under stress. Side effects like nausea and vomiting or changes in how you eat may also affect your blood sugar.

If you have diabetes, work with your cancer care team to make a plan to manage your blood sugar levels during treatment. This may mean checking your blood sugar more often or adjusting the dose of your diabetes medicine.

Kidney problems can affect people of any age, but they are more common in older adults. Some medicines, including certain chemo treatments, can harm the kidneys or worsen existing problems.

If you have kidney issues, your cancer care team will likely check your kidney function with regular blood tests. How well your kidneys work might determine the type of chemo you can have or how often it will be given.

Feeling sad or worried is normal. Most people experience brief times of anxiety or low mood. But when these feelings last and interfere with daily life, they are considered chronic conditions. Anxiety and depression are common in people with cancer. Some develop these problems after a cancer diagnosis, while others have them beforehand. These problems can occur at any age.

Anxiety or depression can make it harder to:

• Make treatment decisions
• Take medicines or attend tests on time
• Ask for or accept support from loved ones

Anxiety and depression can be treated with therapy, medicine, or both. Support is also available through cancer support groups or counselors, social workers, and family or friends.

Always inform your team if you have a history of anxiety or depression. If you are already being treated for these problems, some medicines for anxiety or depression may interact with your treatments. Your team can help adjust your treatment if needed. Check with them before stopping or starting any medicines.

Existing pain, like arthritis or peripheral neuropathy or from a past injury, can make many cancer treatments harder. It may affect daily activities, exercise, or getting to appointments, and can increase the risk of some side effects.

Staying physically active is important for your overall health and quality of life, especially during cancer treatment. Tell your cancer care team about any pain or problems moving around that you have. They may suggest seeing a specialist, such as a physical or occupational therapist, or a cancer rehab expert to help you stay active safely.

Adults over 65 are at risk of memory loss and mental confusion. Some cancer treatments, like chemo, radiation, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy, could make these problems worse. Tell your cancer care team if you are experiencing these symptoms so they can help you manage them.

Thyroid problems are common in people with cancer. When your thyroid doesn’t work correctly, you may feel tired, gain or lose weight, feel cold, or have mood changes. These symptoms can be confusing because they can also be due to cancer or its treatment. If you have thyroid issues, your cancer care team will check your thyroid function with regular blood tests and adjust medicines based on these results.

Autoimmune diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or multiple sclerosis, can make cancer treatment more complex. Cancer treatments can sometimes make autoimmune symptoms worse or interact with the medicines you already take. Always tell your cancer care team if you have any autoimmune conditions and report new or worsening symptoms.

When you go to the dentist during cancer treatment, tell your dental care team about your cancer treatment. This is very important if you have any problems with your mouth or teeth.

If possible, have dental work done before your treatment begins or wait until it is complete. Some people may benefit from seeing an oncologic dentist, a specialist in caring for patients with cancer.

Also, make sure your cancer care team knows about any problems with your mouth or teeth.

When you meet your cancer care team or survivorship care team, tell them about your complete medical history. This helps reduce the risk of drug interactions, side effects, and other problems during treatment. Keep your team updated on any changes to your health or other conditions. This includes:

• Any chronic health problems
• Your medicines (dose, schedule, and side effects)
• Medication allergies and reactions
• Past surgeries or medical procedures
• Medical tests and results
• Contact information for your other health care providers

If you have seen any specialists outside your health system, bring copies of those medical records to appointments.

If you have cancer and other health problems, palliative care can offer extra support starting soon after diagnosis and continuing through treatment. Palliative care helps relieve symptoms, improve quality of life, support daily life, and assist with future planning.

The palliative care team focuses on your comfort, health goals, and coordination with your cancer care team.

Continue to see your doctors from before your cancer diagnosis, such as your primary care doctor or specialists. Let them know about your cancer treatment and any new or worsening symptoms.

In the United States, Medicare requires an annual wellness exam to maintain coverage. Even during cancer treatment, it’s important to keep this appointment with your primary care doctor.

When you have multiple health conditions, it’s important to manage all your medicines carefully.

To stay on track:

• Take all medicines as prescribed and check labels carefully for the correct dose
• Use a chart, pill calendar, pill case, or phone reminders to track doses
• Fill all prescriptions at the same pharmacy and bring your medicine list to every appointment
• Tell your care team about any new medicines, dose changes, or supplements, like vitamins or herbs

Ask your pharmacist how they can help you safely manage your medicines during cancer treatment.

Eating a healthy diet, being physically active, and getting enough sleep can help you feel better when you have cancer and other health problems. These habits help boost the immune system, give you energy, reduce side effects, and support your mental health.