A Study to Assess the Incidence and Severity of Self-Reported Side Effects of Chemotherapy among the Patients in a Day Care Chemotherapy Unit in a Cancer Hospital Guwahati, Assam

Bhaswati Kashyap Sarmah, Lily Lalhlutmawii

Abstract: Background of the study: Cancer remains a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths in 2020. Chemotherapy is one of the major treatment modalities for cancer, aimed at inhibiting cell proliferation and tumor metastasis. However, it also affects normal cells, causing adverse side effects such as fatigue, hair loss, nausea, and mucositis, which compromise patients' quality of life. Methodology: This descriptive study was conducted among 100 patients receiving chemotherapy at the Day Care Chemotherapy Unit of Dr. B. Borooah Cancer Institute, Guwahati, using convenient sampling. Data were collected through a socio-demographic proforma and the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale?Short Form (MSAS-SF). Results: Results revealed that the most common self-reported side effects were lack of energy (88%), altered taste (78%), loss of appetite (77%), hair loss (65%), and numbness or tingling in hands and feet (53%). The mean severity score was 25.60; 81% experienced very mild and 19% mild side effects. Conclusion: A significant association was found between age and severity of side effects (p<0.05), while gender showed no significant association. The study concludes that side effects vary across patients, emphasizing the essential role of nurses in symptom management, patient education, and psychological support to enhance quality of life during chemotherapy.

Keywords: Chemotherapy, Side effects of chemotherapy, Cancer patients

How to Cite?: Bhaswati Kashyap Sarmah, Lily Lalhlutmawii, "A Study to Assess the Incidence and Severity of Self-Reported Side Effects of Chemotherapy among the Patients in a Day Care Chemotherapy Unit in a Cancer Hospital Guwahati, Assam", Volume 14 Issue 11, November 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 251-256, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR251104205031, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR251104205031