What is anticipatory nausea?

Nausea and vomiting can happen at different times around cancer treatment. Anticipatory nausea and vomiting happen before a treatment, triggered by the treatment setting itself—such as the sights and smells of the clinic—often after earlier rounds caused nausea.

Other patterns include acute (within 24 hours of treatment), delayed (1 to 7 days after), and chronic (ongoing after treatment ends).

Because nausea is easier to prevent than to treat once it starts, tell your care team if this is happening. Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, guided imagery, and meditation may help, alongside the medicines your doctor prescribes.