Chances are, you know someone who's fighting cancer. Or maybe you yourself are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment right now. The American Cancer Society's latest statistics say it all: Over the course of a lifetime, U.S. men have a one-in-two risk of developing some type of cancer. Women's chances are only somewhat better: a one-in-three chance.

The good news? Since cancer risk increases with age, most of us won't encounter cancer until our later years, if at all. But if you or a loved one are facing this medical challenge, treatment side effects are probably a big concern. Both the cancer itself and its treatments can cause side effects, including nausea, vomiting, fever, infections and fatigue.

Fortunately -- and contrary to many people's assumptions -- not everyone experiences such side effects. And for those who do, there are new medications, nutritional tips and other suggestions that can make life easier.

To get the latest information on treating side effects, we consulted the American Cancer Society, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and Cancer Care, Inc., a New York-based, nonprofit organization staffed with specially trained oncology social workers who provide a toll-free counseling service, support groups and referrals.

Here are some suggestions for dealing with the most common side effects of cancer and its treatment:

Fever and Infection:

Because they are powerful cancer fighters, both chemotherapy and radiation therapy can greatly reduce the body's white blood cell count. And because white blood cells are the body's natural defense against infection, having a low count can leave you more open for infection.

Common symptoms of infection include swelling, redness, pain or fever. The risk of infection can last for up to two months after treatment ends, so it is important to continue to monitor your overall health. Fever alone can sap your strength at a time when you'll want to conserve energy.

Doctors most commonly treat fever and infection at the same time with fever-reducing drugs, antibiotics and medication to help replenish the body's white-cell count. The key is to know your body, watch for symptoms, communicate with your doctor and take action quickly if an infection develops.

By the way, you may hear that fever is "good" -- that it destroys infection. Not true if you have cancer, according to Cancer Care, Inc. If your white cell count is low, your body won't be able to fight off infection on its own.

Nausea and Vomiting:

True, nausea is a common side effect of chemo (and sometimes of radiation). But not everyone gets sick. And for some people, symptoms come and go throughout treatment. Each person's body reacts differently. And different chemotherapy drugs have very different emetogenic (nausea-inducing) ratings, ranging from "very low" (less than 10 percent of patients get sick) to "very high" (more than 90 percent get sick). Most important: If you are concerned about nausea, talk with your doctor about the best drug combination for you before you begin treatment.

Fortunately, nausea control has come a long way in the past few years. And several new medications -- called anti-emetics -- are now available. One of the most commonly used, according to the NCI, is prochlorperazine.

Some patients report that getting plenty of rest helps them overcome nausea. Also, some anti-emetics are designed to make you sleepy to help you rest during a period of nausea. Distractions such as watching television, listening to the radio or talking with a friend may help, too.

Avoid tight-fitting clothing, especially around the waist or neck. And rinse your mouth out often to eliminate a bad taste. Also, avoid strong-tasting, greasy or spicy foods. Some people report that the smell of freshly cut lemons helps ease nausea symptoms. You may want to keep a few in the fridge.

If you've been sick, try sipping small amounts of fluids slowly or sucking on ice chips to help settle your stomach. Also, eating toast or crackers can help put something non-irritating back in your stomach.

Don't buy into the myth that nausea means the treatments are "working". Remember, whether or not a treatment makes you sick has nothing to do with its effectiveness.

On days when you are able to eat well, make sure every bite packs a good nutritional punch, advises James F. Balch, M.D., co-author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing". Your body especially needs the antioxidants beta-carotene, vitamin A and vitamin E to aid in cell repair. Balch recommends taking these vitamins in an emulsion form for greater assimilation. He also suggests taking extra vitamin C and the mineral selenium to help your body fight the cancer.

Be sure to discuss appropriate dosages with your doctor.

Hair Loss:

When chemo treatments lead to hair loss, it's because hair follicles have been weakened, causing the hair to fall out much more quickly than it would normally. The condition is usually temporary.

Depending on the drugs you receive, hair loss may start anywhere from seven to 21 days after treatment begins. The hair will usually start growing back six to 12 months after treatments stop. Your hair may temporarily have a different texture when it starts growing back. Dark hair often becomes lighter; curly hair may become straight. These changes usually aren't permanent. Radiation, depending on where it is directed, can cause permanent, localized hair loss on legs, underarms, pubic area, etc.

An educated attitude, the right props and advanced planning can go a long way toward dealing with hair loss. A wig can be an important investment because it will motivate you to continue living a normal life. Buying a wig before all your hair falls out can help you match your natural hair color. Some insurance plans cover wigs; some do not. Be sure to check. Also, a wig is a medical tax deduction, so save your receipt.

When it comes to hair loss, support from others in the same boat can make all the difference. Consider joining a support group. You'll feel less alone, plus you'll share valuable tips and receive helpful guidance. Talking to a counselor or a "buddy" who is going through the same thing can make a world of difference.

Pain:

Not everyone experiences pain with cancer or cancer treatments. But if you do, there's no reason why it should go untreated or unchecked. If you feel you need to "stick it out", pain can affect your ability to fight the cancer effectively, to work and to enjoy your life.

Early treatment is always more effective, so talk with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience pain. Use descriptive words: It sharp and sudden? Dull and aching? Take pain medication exactly as prescribed. Keep a diary: when the pain begins, when it peaks, when you take medications and how much they help. Be sure to provide feedback to your doctor so medications can be adjusted as necessary.

Common side effects of pain medication include constipation, nausea, drowsiness and slowed breathing. All of these can be managed, but you must talk with your doctor as soon as they happen. Early intervention can make all the difference.

Most important, don't let people tell you (and don't tell yourself) that living with pain "is a sign of strength". If your pain is under control, you'll have more energy to fight cancer and live your life.

For more information on dealing with side effects, contact the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Information Service at 800-4-CANCER or contact the Cancer Care National Counseling Line at 800-813-HOPE.

(c) 2000, Kathy Sena. Distributed by Los Angeles Times Syndicate