Can chemotherapy affect your personality?

As an oncologist with over a decade of experience in cancer care, I have observed the various ways in which cancer treatments can impact a patient's overall well-being, including their psychological state and personality. Chemotherapy, a common treatment for many types of cancer, can indeed have an impact on a person's mood and behavior. This is due to several factors: 1. Physical Side Effects: Chemotherapy can cause a range of physical side effects, such as fatigue, nausea, and pain, which can lead to irritability and mood changes. 2. Psychological Impact: The stress of dealing with a cancer diagnosis and the uncertainty of the future can lead to anxiety and depression, which can alter a person's personality and behavior. 3. Neurochemical Changes: Some chemotherapy drugs can affect the brain's neurochemistry, potentially leading to cognitive changes, sometimes referred to as "chemo brain." 4. Other Medications: As you mentioned, not only chemotherapy but also other medications used in conjunction with cancer treatment, such as steroids, can affect mood and behavior. It's important to note that while these changes can be distressing, they are often temporary and may improve over time. Support from mental health professionals, family, and friends can be crucial in helping patients and their loved ones navigate these changes.

Q. My 68-year-old husband was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2004, had radiation and chemo, and is currently in remission. Since ending his treatment, his personality has changed drastically and he directs his anger towards me. ... Chemotherapy can affect a person's mood, as can other medications such as steroids.