Which of the following is a common side effect of hormone therapy in breast cancer?

Hot flashes are a common side effect of hormone therapy in breast cancer treatment. Hormone therapies, especially those that block estrogen or reduce its levels in the body, can lead to changes in the body’s temperature regulation, resulting in episodes of sudden warmth, flushing, and sweating. This phenomenon occurs due to the way hormone therapy alters hormone levels, leading to vasodilation and increased blood flow to the skin during these episodes.

These symptoms are particularly prevalent in patients receiving treatments like aromatase inhibitors or selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs). Understanding this side effect is crucial for managing patient comfort during treatment and ensuring they are informed about what to expect. Proper management strategies, such as lifestyle modifications, can help ease the discomfort associated with hot flashes.

Other options, like nausea, fatigue, and weight gain, are also possible side effects of various cancer treatments but are not specifically tied to hormone therapy in breast cancer to the same extent as hot flashes.