Which of the following is a common side effect of chemotherapy?

Fatigue is a well-recognized and common side effect of chemotherapy. The intensive treatment process of chemotherapy targets rapidly dividing cancer cells, but it can also affect normal, healthy cells, leading to a variety of side effects. One of the most prevalent issues patients experience is fatigue, which can be attributed to several factors, including the impact of treatments on the body's energy reserves, the stress of coping with a cancer diagnosis, and the overall metabolic demands placed on the body.

Patients often find that this fatigue doesn't simply equate to feeling tired but can significantly affect their daily functioning and overall quality of life. Managing fatigue typically involves a combination of strategies, including rest, nutrition, exercise, and sometimes medications, emphasizing the importance of addressing this side effect in patient care.

In contrast, the other options—improved appetite, increased energy levels, and enhanced mental clarity—are not commonly associated with chemotherapy and may mislead individuals into expecting positive cognitive or physical improvements during treatment. Generally, patients face challenges in these areas due to the side effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea which can suppress appetite, and cognitive changes ("chemo brain") that may affect mental clarity.