This study examined breast cancer patients’ awareness of chemotherapy related side effects and explored how women receiving treatment in a Nigerian tertiary hospital perceive the burden of these toxicities. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used, involving 80 patients undergoing systemic chemotherapy. Data were collected using a structured, validated questionnaire and analysed with descriptive statistics. Respondents demonstrated consistently high awareness of common chemotherapy side effects, with hair loss, weakness due to anaemia, nausea, and vomiting recording the highest mean scores. Awareness of fever and chills was comparatively lower, despite exceeding the predetermined decision threshold, indicating potential gaps in recognising symptoms associated with serious complications such as neutropenia. These variations highlight the need for strengthened, continuous patient education that addresses both frequently anticipated toxicities and those that carry urgent clinical significance. The findings underscore the central role of oncology nurses in reinforcing information, clarifying misconceptions, and supporting symptom self management throughout treatment. Enhancing patient education may reduce the perceived burden of chemotherapy, promote timely reporting of adverse effects, and contribute to safer, more responsive cancer care within low resource settings.

Breast cancer, Chemotherapy, Side effects, Perceived burden, Patient awareness, Symptom recognition, Oncology nursing, Nigeria, Tertiary hospital, Supportive care

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