ASAP VI Oncology Practice Test

Hair loss is a common side effect of chemotherapy due to the way these drugs target rapidly dividing cells. Chemotherapy is designed to kill cancer cells, which often proliferate quickly, but it can also affect other fast-dividing normal cells in the body, such as those in hair follicles. This damage leads to hair thinning or loss, which can occur on the scalp as well as other parts of the body.

Understanding this side effect is crucial for patients undergoing treatment, as it helps prepare them for the physical changes they might experience and allows healthcare providers to offer support and resources. While increased energy levels, weight gain, and enhanced appetite may occur for some individuals undergoing treatment, they are generally not considered common side effects of chemotherapy.