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Symptom & Side Effect Management Resource Guide

The links below are directed to symptom and side effect management related information on the BC Cancer website or on other cancer websites. Additional patient resources and websites can be found on the BC Cancer Library main webpage under "Pathfinders" and within the Support Pathfinders accordion. Be sure to view both the "Key Resources" and "Looking for More" tabs.

If you would like to suggest additions or changes please contact Mandeep K. Bains or Sonia Szombathy.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Symptom self-screening tool

Alopecia

Patient Information

Anemia

Health Care Professionals

SCESA Protocol - Guidelines for the Use of Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents (ESAs) in Patients with Cancer

Patient Information

Iron in Foods (HealthLink BC)

Anorexia/Cachexia

Health Care Professionals

Anorexia and Cachexia Nursing Symptom Management Guidelines
AnorexiaNutrition Symptom Management Guidelines
See also Cannabis - Medicinal

Patient Information

Nutrition for People with Cancer Pathfinder (see Key Resources and Looking for More?)
See also Cannabis - Medicinal

Anxiety

Health Care Professionals

Anxiety and Distress (National Cancer Institute)

Patient Information

Worried, Scared or Anxious
Anxiety and Distress (National Cancer Institute)
Managing Stress, Anxiety and Depression Pathfinder

Appetite Loss

See Anorexia/Cachexia

Arthralgia

Supportive Care [Clinical Pharmacy Guide - Modules - Module 5]
- Arthralgias/Myalgias, page 11

Ascites

Fluid in the Abdomen (Ascites) (American Society of Clinical Oncology)

Bladder Toxicity

SCMESNA Protocol - MESNA Dosage Modification for Hematuria Secondary to Oxazaphosphorines (e.g. Ifosfamide and Cyclophosphamide)

Bowel Obstruction

Health Care Professionals

Large or Small Bowel Obstruction (National Cancer Institute)

Patient Information

Bowel Obstruction (National Cancer Institute)
Bowel and Bladder Problems Pathfinder

Breathing Difficulties

See Dyspnea

Cannabis-Medicinal

Health Care Professionals

Medicinal Cannabis 101 Webinars (2014):
- Part 1 - Pharmacology and Evidence
- Part 2 - Access and Use
Information for Health Care Professionals: Cannabis (marihuana, marijuana) and the cannabinoids (Health Canada)

Patient Information

Medical Cannabis - What patients with cancer need to know [Note correction - PharmaCare Formularycovers nabilone for Plans I,C,F,W,B]
Medicinal Cannabis 101 Webinar Part 2 - Access and Use

Cardiac Toxicity

Health Care Professionals

Guidelines for Anthracycline Monitoring Threshold [Clinical Pharmacy Guide]
Cardiopulmonary Syndromes (National Cancer Institute)

Patient Information

Cardiopulmonary Syndromes (National Cancer Institute)

Cerebral Edema

MODEXA Protocol (PDF) - Dexamethasone as Treatment for Cerebral Edema or CNS Swelling

Chemo Teach/Counselling

See Patient Counselling Resources

Coagulopathies

Clotting Problems (American Society of Clinical Oncology)
Blood clots (Breast Cancer Now, Britain)

Cognitive Disorders

Health Care Professionals

Delirium (National Cancer Institute)

Patient Information

Memory & Attention Problems [Emotional Support]
Chemo Brain (Mayo Clinic)
Delirium (National Cancer Institute)
Memory, Thinking and Attention Pathfinder

Cold Sensitivity/Dysesthesia Patient Information

Oxaliplatin Patient Handout for Cold Dysesthesias [Drug Index]

Complementary and Alternative Medications (CAMs)

Health Care Professionals

Complementary and Alternative Cancer Therapies
Complimentary and Alternative Medicine for Health Care Professionals (National Cancer Institute)
Search About Herbs (Memorial Sloan Kettering Integrative Medicine)
Natural and Non-prescription Health Products (Health Canada)
Dietary Supplements (FDA)
Complementary and Integrative Medicine (Medline Plus)

Patient Information

Natural health products and breast cancer [CDM - Appendix]
Natural health products and cancer therapy [CDM - Appendix]
Complementary & Alternative Therapies - scroll down the page for:
• Natural Health Products and Breast Cancer patient handout
• Natural Health Products and Cancer Treatment FAQs
Herbs and Supplements (Medline Plus)
Integrative Medicine (Memorial Sloan Kettering)
Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Patients (National Cancer Institute)
Complementary and Alternative (CAM) Pathfinder

Constipation

Health Care Professionals

Constipation Nursing Symptom Management Guidelines

Patient Information

How To Treat Constipation Caused by Your Medications [Constipation]
Food Choices to Manage Constipation [Nutrition Handouts]
Bowel and Bladder Problems Pathfinder

Dental Care

Health Care Professionals

Oral & Dental Care
See also Osteonecrosis of the Jaw

Patient Information

Depression

Health Care Professionals

Depression (National Cancer Institute)
List of Antidepressants and Tamoxifen Interactions Table [Drug Index - T - Tamoxifen Monograph - pages 13 - 14]

Patient Information

Diarrhea

Health Care Professionals

Supportive Care [Clinical Pharmacy Guide - Modules - Module 5]
- Antidiarrheals, page 5
Guidelines for Management of Chemotherapy-Induced Diarrhea
Diarrhea Nursing Symptom Management Guidelines
Diarrhea Nutrition Symptom Management Guidelines

Patient Information

Diarrhea handouts
Bowel and Bladder Problems Pathfinder

Drug-Induced Adverse Effects

Health Care Professionals

See Patient Counselling Resources for Systemic Therapy Patient Education ("Chemo Teach") resources
See also

Patient Information

See the Specific Adverse Effect on this page (e.g. Sore Mouth)
See also:

Dry Mouth

Health Care Professionals

Xerostomia Nursing Symptom Management Guidelines
Xerostomia Nutrition Symptom Management Guidelines

Patient Information

Dysphagia

Health Care Professionals

Dysphagia Nutrition Symptom Management Guidelines

Patient Information

Dysphagia (Difficulty Swallowing) Pathfinder

Dyspnea

Health Care Professionals

Dyspnea Nursing Symptom Management Guidelines
See Pulmonary Toxicity

Patient Information

Breathlessness handouts
Dyspnea (Breathlessness) Pathfinder

Emotional Support

Health Care Professionals

Start the Talk (Canadian Association of Psychosocial Oncology)

Patient Information

Talk to Someone Who's Been There [Canadian Cancer Society]
Emotional Support
Cancer & the Family
Facts4Teens
Coping with Cancer Pathfinder
Coping with Death and Dying Pathfinder
Coping with Grief and Loss Pathfinder (see Key Resources and Looking for More?)
Coping With a Recent Diagnosis Pathfinder

Exercise and Cancer Treatments

Extravasation

Health Care Professionals

Parenteral Chemotherapy [Clinical Pharmacy Guide - Modules - Module 4]
- Vesicants, page 4
III-20: Chemotherapy Extravasation [SHOP]

Fatigue

Health Care Professionals

Fatigue Nursing Symptom Management Guidelines

Patient Information

Managing Fatigue (Tiredness) [Managing Fatigue (Tiredness)]
Fatigue and Sleep Pathfinder
Cancer Related Fatigue (video) - Dr. Mike Evans

Febrile Neutropenia

See Neutropenia and Febrile Neutropenia

Fertility and Sexual Health

Health Care Professionals

Intimacy and Sexuality [Symptom Management - Symptom Management Guidelines]

Patient Information

Sexual Health & Cancer handout [Managing Symptoms & Side Effects]
Sex and the Man with Cancer (American Cancer Society)
Sex and the Woman with Cancer (American Cancer Society)
Sex Intimacy and Cancer (Canadian Cancer Society)
Sexuality and Partner Support Pathfinder
Vaginal Dryness and Painful Intercourse (Oncolink)

Financial Support

Financial Assistance
Financial Information for Cancer Patients [Financial Assistance - Helpful Handouts]
Financial Assistance and Other Practical Supports Pathfinder

Fistula

Patient Information

Fistula (Macmillan Cancer Support UK)

Flatulence/Gas

Bowel and Bladder Pathfinder

Fluorouracil Overdose

Management of 5-Fluorouracil (5FU) Infusion Overdose at BC Cancer [Gastrointestinal Cancer - Fluorouracil Overdose] - scroll down

Graft Versus Host Disease (GVHD)

Patient Information

Graft Versus Host Disease (Cancer Research UK)

Hand-Foot Syndrome

Health Care Professionals

Palmar Plantar Erythrodysesthesia Nursing Symptom Management Guidelines

Patient Information

Hand-Foot Syndrome (American Society of Clinical Oncology)

Hair Loss

See Alopecia

Headache

Headaches (American Society of Clinical Oncology)

Hematological Toxicity

(see also Neutropenia)

Hematology Lab Tests [Clinical Pharmacy Guide - Modules - Module 3]

Hepatitis B Reactivation

See Immunizations and Infection Prophylaxis

Hepatotoxicity

Liver Function Tests [Clinical Pharmacy Guide - Modules - Module 3]

Home Care - Managing Chemotherapy Patients at Home

Health Care Professionals

Home Infusors (Elastomeric Infusion Devices)
- Appendix 1: Patient Teaching Standards - Managing at Home with an Elastomeric Infusion Device [Nursing Practice References - C-252: Chemotherapeutic Agents, Administration of]
- Baxter Elastomeric Pumps: Clinician Guide

Patient Information

Drug Index [F - Fluorouracil Infusor]
- Your Infusor: A guide for patients
- Discontinuing an Infusor™ from an IVAD
- Discontinuing an INFUSOR™ from a PICC line
Safe Handling [Cancer Drug Manual] scroll down to:

Hot Flashes

Men

Hormone Deprivation Symptoms in Men (American Society of Clinical Oncology
Living with the Effects of Hormone Therapy (Prostate Cancer Research UK)

Women

Menopause (BC Cancer)
Menopausal Symptoms Due to Cancer - Women Treatment (American Society of Clinical Oncology)
Hot flushes and night sweats (Breast Cancer Now, Britain)

Hypersensitivity and Infusion Reactions

SCDRUGRX Protocol - Management of Hypersensitivity Reactions to Chemotherapeutic Agents
SCOXRX Protocol - Inpatient Protocol for Oxaliplatin Desensitization

Immunizations and Infection Prophylaxis

Immunizations for Patients with Lymphoma, Hodgkin, Myeloma and Leukemia [Appendices - Appendix III]
Flu Vaccine Guidelines [Supportive Care - scroll to bottom of page]
Hepatitis B Reactivation in Cancer Patients
- Chapter 13. Treatment of Lymphoma in Patients with Past Hepatitis B Infection [Lymphoma]
- Hepatitis B Screening and Prophylaxis in Cancer Patients [Systemic Therapy Update Newsletter - 2012 - January - page 7]
Herpes zoster (shingles) reactivation prophylaxis information can be found in Multiple Myeloma Protocols containing bortezomib
Measles Vaccine Guidelines [Supportive Care - scroll to bottom of page]
Vaccination During Cancer Treatment (American Cancer Society)

Immunotherapy - Checkpoint Inhibitors

Interpreting

PHSA Interpreting Service

Laryngospasm Patient Information

Oxaliplatin Patient Handout for Cold Dysesthesias [Drug Index - O]

Lymphedema

Health Care Professionals

Lymphedema [Symptom Management - Symptom Management Guidelines]

Patient Information

Lymphedema (Swelling) [Managing Symptoms & Side Effects]
Lymphedema Pathfinder

Marijuana

See Cannabis - Medicinal

Top

Memory/Thinking Problems

See Cognitive Disorders

Methotrexate Rescue

Supportive Care [Clinical Pharmacy Guide - Modules - Module 5]
- Leucovorin (Folinic Acid), page 13

Mucositis

Health Care Professionals

Oral Mucositis [Symptom Management - Symptom Management Guidelines (Nursing)]
Mucositis [Nutrition Resources for Healthcare Professionals - Symptom Management - Nutrition Symptom Management Guidelines]
Mucositis Algorithm [Cancer Care Ontario Symptom Assessment and Mangement Tools - Oral Care (scroll down)]
Topical Products for Mucositis
- Products & Resources [Oral/Dental Care]
- Management of Mucositis: Magic Mouthwash Explained [Guidelines & Protocols - Palliative Care - Pain and Symptom Management]
- Magic Mouthwash prescription templates and associated SCMMW resources [Supportive Care]

Patient Information

Mouth and Teeth[Management of Symptoms & Side Effects]
Mucositis (Oncolink)
Mouth and Jaw Problems Pathfinder

Myelosuppression

Dosage Modification for Myelosuppression [Cancer Drug Manual - Appendix]

Natural Health Products

See Complementary and Alternative Medications

Nausea and Vomiting

Health Care Professionals

Supportive Care [Clinical Pharmacy Guide - Modules - Module 5]
- Antiemetics, page 6
Nausea and Vomiting [Symptom Management - Symptom Management Guidelines]
SCNAUSEA Protocol - Guidelines for Prevention and Treatment of Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting in Adults
Nausea [Nutrition Resources for Healthcare Professionals - Nutrition Symptom Management Guidelines]
See also Cannabis - Medicinal

Patient Information

Nausea & Vomiting [Managing Symptoms and Side Effects]
Nausea and Vomiting Pathfinder
See also Cannabis - Medicinal

Nerve Pain/Neuropathy

Health Care Professionals

Peripheral Neuropathy [Symptom Management - Symptom Management Guidelines]
Oxaliplatin-Associated Neuropathy (Oncolink)

Patient Information

Nerve Damage [Managing Symptoms & Side Effects]
What is Peripheral Neuropathy (Cancer.net )
Peripheral Neuropathy (Oncolink)
Pain and Peripheral Neuropathy Pathfinder

Neutropenia & Febrile Neutropenia

(See also Hematological Toxicity)

Health Care Professionals

Febrile Neutropenia
Filgrastim (G-CSF) Pharmacare Coverage [Cancer Drug Manual - Reimbursement and Forms]
Supportive Care [Clinical Pharmacy Guide - Modules - Module 5]
- Anti-infective Agents, page 10
- Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factors, page 12
Fever and Neutropenia [Symptom Management - Symptom Management Guidelines]

Patient Information

Neutropenia [Managing Symptoms & Side Effects]
Neutropenia (Low White Blood Cell Count) Pathfinder

Nutritional Support

Health Care Professionals

Nutrition Symptom Management Guidelines [Nutrition Resources for Health Professional - Symptom Management]

Patient Information

About 811 (Contact a HealthLink BC Dietitian)
Food Sources of Calcium and Vitamin D (HealthLink BC)
Iron in Foods (HealthLink BC)
Specific Types of Cancer [Nutrition Handouts]
- A Nutrition Guide for Women with Breast Cancer
- Nutrition Guide for Men with Prostate Cancer
- Nutrition and Lung Cancer

Additional Nutritional Resources are Available in:

Nutrition Handouts
Nutrition Information

Obesity

See Weight Gain

Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ)

Health Care Professionals

Osteonecrosis of the Jaw [Oral & Dental Care]
Oral Complications of Chemotherapy and Head/Neck Radiation (National Cancer Institute)
Osteonecrosis of the Jaw Associated with Medications (National Cancer Institute)

Patient Information

Osteonecrosis of the Jaw [Oral & Dental Care]

Osteoporosis

Health Care Professionals

Osteoporosis Screening Guidelines [Prostate]

Patient Information

Guidelines for the Prevention of Osteoporosis For Men with Prostate Cancer on Hormone Therapy
Patient Guidelines for the Prevention of Osteoporosis in Women
Food Sources of Calcium and Vitamin D (HealthLink BC)

Pain

(See also Nerve Pain/Neuropathy)

Health Care Professionals

Pain [Symptom Management - Symptom Management Guidelines]
Pain and Symptom Management
SCPAINLI Protocol - Extreme Pain Therapy Using Parenteral Lidocaine
See also Cannabis - Medicinal

Patient Information

Pain [Managing Symptoms and Side Effects]
Pain and Peripheral Neuropathy Pathfinder
See also Cannabis - Medicinal

Palliative Care

Health Care Professionals

BC Inter-professional Palliative Symptom Management Guidelines, 2019 (BC Centre for Palliative Care)

Patient Information

Symptoms and Health Concerns (Canadian Virtual Hospice)
Advance Care Planning Pathfinder

Palmar-Plantar Erythrodysesthesia (PPE)

See Hand and Foot Syndrome

Patient Counselling Resources

Health Care Professionals

Systemic Therapy Patient Education [Materials] - this Tool Kit contains the materials required for qualified health care professionals to facilitate a group chemotherapy patient education session for patients who are about to start chemotherapy. The session provides an overview of chemotherapy, the management of potential side effects and self care strategies.

Patient Information

Systemic Therapy (Chemotherapy) contains a video of the above presentation and links to supplementary patient information
Systemic Therapy Pathfinder - [see "Looking for More"]

Pleural Effusion

Health Care Professionals

Cardiopulmonary Syndromes (National Cancer Institute)

Patient Information

Cardiopulmonary Syndromes (National Cancer Institute)

Pregnancy and Lactation

Health Care Professionals

Chemotherapy and Pregnancy [Cancer Drug Manual - Appendix - Information for Patients]
Breast Cancer in Pregnancy [Breast (Cancer Management Guidelines) - Management - Section 6.11.1]
LactMed (National Library of Medicine)

Patient Information

Sexuality and Partner Support Pathfinder - [see "Looking for More"] Fertility, Pregnancy

Pulmonary Toxicity

Health Care Professionals

Patient Safety Update: Bleomycin Toxicity in the Treatment Testicular Cancer Case [Systemic Therapy Update Newsletter - 2012 - February - page 4]
See Pleural Effusion
See Dyspnea

Radiation-Induced Adverse Effects

Health Care Professionals

Radiation Dermatitis [Symptom Management - Symptom Management Guidelines]
Radiation Enteritis (National Cancer Institute)

Patient Information

Radiation Therapy Side Effects (National Cancer Institute)

Renal Toxicity

Renal Function Tests [Clinical Pharmacy Guide - Modules - Module 3]
Supportive Care [Clinical Pharmacy Guide - Modules - Module 5]
- Hydration, page 16

Safe Handling of Chemotherapy at Home

See Home Care: Managing Chemotherapy Patients at Home

Sexuality

see Fertility and Sexuality

Skin and Nail Care

Health Care Professionals

Symptom Management Guidelines [Symptom Management]
- Acneiform Rash
- Malignant Wounds
- Radiation Dermatitis
Use of Frozen Gloves (For Docetaxel) [Systemic Therapy Update Newsletter - 2010 - September - page 1]

Patient Information

Personal Appearance Pathfinder - [see "Skin Issues"]
Sun Sensitivity and Sunscreens [Cancer Drug Manual - Appendix]
UV/Sun Safety and Cancer Prevention
UV/Sun Safety - The Science
Skin Cancer Prevention (NCI)
Skin and Wounds[Managing Symptoms & Side Effects]
Ulcerating Cancer Wounds (Macmillan Cancer Support)

Sleep Disorders

Health Care Professionals

Sleep-Wake Disturbance [Symptom Management - Symptom Management Guidelines]
Sleep Disorders (National Cancer Institute)

Patient Information

Sleeping Problems [Managing Symptoms & Side Effects]
Sleep Disorders (National Cancer Institute)
Fatigue and Sleep Pathfinder

Smoking Cessation

Health Care Professionals

Clinical Tobacco Intervention Program (CTIP)

Patient Information

Spinal Cord Compression

Malignant Spinal Cord Compression (Macmillan Cancer Support UK)

Superior Vena Cava Obstruction

Superior Vena Cava Obstruction (Macmillan Cancer Support UK)

Swallowing Difficulties

See Dysphagia

Targeted Therapy Side Effect Management

Health Care Professionals

Acneiform Rash [Symptom Management - Symptom Management Guidelines]
ONTarget Resource Guide

Patient Information

Skin Reactions to Targeted Therapies and Immunotherapy (American Society of Clinical Oncology)

Taste Changes

Health Care Professionals

Taste Changes [Nutrition Resources for Health Professionals - Symptom Management - Nutrition Symptom Management Guidelines]

Patient Information

Food Ideas to Cope with Taste and Smell Changes [Nutrition Information - Taste Changes]

Thick Saliva

Thick Saliva[Nutrition Resources for Health Professionals] - Symptom Management - Nutrition Symptom Management Guidelines]

Tube Feeding

Tube Feeding Resources [Nutrition Handouts]

Unconventional Therapies

See Complementary and Alternative Medications

Urinary Incontinence

Tips for Dealing with Urinary Incontinence (Oncolink)
- For Men
- For Women
Urinary Incontinence After Prostate Cancer Surgery & Radiation Therapy (Oncolink)

Vaccinations

See Immunizations and Infection Prophylaxis

Vaginal Dryness

See Fertility and Sexuality

Vertigo

Patient Information

Balance and Coordination [Managing Symptoms & Side Effects]

Top

Weight Gain

Health Care Professionals

Unwanted Weight Gain [Nutrition Resources for Health Professionals - Symptom Management - Nutrition Symptom Management Guidelines]

Patient Information

Body Weight and Cancer Prevention
Body Weight and Cancer Risk (American Society of Clinical Oncology)
Body Weight - The Science
Weight Changes - Personal Appearance Pathfinder

Weight Loss

See Anorexia/Cachexia

SOURCE: Symptom & Side Effect Management Resource Guide ( )
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