Chemotherapy Treatment for Cancer
Chemotherapy is a widely used cancer treatment that uses medicines to destroy cancer cells or slow their growth. Depending on the type and stage of cancer, chemotherapy may be recommended alone or alongside surgery, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy.
How Chemotherapy Works
Chemotherapy medicines are selected based on factors such as the cancer type, stage, overall health, previous treatments, and treatment goals. Chemotherapy may be used to shrink a tumour before surgery or radiation, destroy remaining cancer cells after surgery, control cancer growth, or relieve symptoms caused by advanced cancer.
Treatment is commonly given in cycles, with periods of treatment followed by rest to allow the body to recover. Depending on the prescribed medicines, chemotherapy may be administered through an intravenous infusion, injection, or oral medication.
Managing Chemotherapy Side Effects
Side effects vary from person to person and depend on the medicines and dosage used. Common effects can include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, hair loss, mouth sores, reduced blood cell counts, constipation or diarrhoea, and increased risk of infection. Your oncology team can recommend medicines and supportive care to help manage these effects.
Preparing for Chemotherapy
Before treatment, your medical team may review your health, perform blood tests, assess treatment response, and discuss possible side effects. Patients should inform their doctor about all medicines, supplements, allergies, and existing health conditions before starting treatment.
Chemotherapy is an individualized treatment, and the recommended plan should always be determined by a qualified oncologist based on your specific diagnosis and medical needs.