Peripheral neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy is a nerve condition that can happen with cancer, or with cancer treatment. This information aims to help you, your family and friends understand more about peripheral neuropathy and how it can be managed.
- Am I at risk of peripheral neuropathy?
- Is there anything I can do to lower my risk?
- What symptoms should I watch out for?
- Who should I talk to if I notice any symptoms?
- If I have peripheral neuropathy, will chemotherapy be stopped? If so, how can the cancer be treated?
- How long are the symptoms likely to last?
- What treatment do you recommend for the pain?
- How can I manage any constipation?
- How can I reduce my risk of falls or other injuries?
- What aids and equipment might help me? Can you refer me to an occupational therapist?
- What type of exercise should I do? Can you refer me to a physiotherapist or exercise physiologist?
- Could a psychologist help me cope with changes?
Need to talk?
Dr Fiona Day, Senior Staff Specialist Medical Oncologist, Calvary Mater Newcastle, NSW; James Chirgwin, Senior Physiotherapist – Oncology, Haematology and Palliative Care, The Wesley Hospital, QLD; Kim Kerin-Ayres, Nurse Practitioner Cancer Survivorship, Sydney Cancer Survivorship Centre, Concord Hospital, NSW; Melanie Moore, Lead Exercise Physiology Clinical Supervisor, UC Cancer Wellness Clinic, University of Canberra, ACT; Olivia Palac, Acting Assistant Director, Occupational Therapy, Gold Coast University Hospital, QLD; Danielle Rippin, Consumer; Dr Jane Wheatley, Clinical and Health Psychologist, Department of Pain Medicine, St Vincent’s Health Network, Sydney, NSW.
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