Cancer Treatments Chemotherapy

Overview

Chemotherapy (often called chemo) is a treatment that uses medicines to kill cancer cells. It works by stopping cancer cells from growing and dividing. Because cancer cells grow faster than most normal cells, chemotherapy can destroy them more easily. It is given on its own or with other cancer treatments.

Yes. Chemotherapy is one of the most common cancer treatments. Millions of people receive it every year around the world.

Chemotherapy can be used for people of any age. The decision depends on the type and stage of cancer and your general health. Older adults may need extra support, and children can also have chemo with specially planned care.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Feeling very tired (fatigue)
• Feeling sick (nausea) or being sick
• Hair loss or hair thinning
• Mouth sores or a dry mouth
• Changes in appetite or taste
• Higher risk of infections

Symptoms in children

• Feeling tired and sleepy
• Mouth sores that make eating uncomfortable
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Feeling more emotional, anxious, or frustrated

Symptoms in older adults

• More severe fatigue and weakness
• Greater chance of getting an infection
• Slower recovery between treatment cycles
• Dizziness or unsteadiness

Causes

Main causes

• To cure cancer by destroying all cancer cells
• To control cancer growth and stop it from spreading
• To shrink a tumor before or after surgery

Risk factors

• The type and stage of cancer
• Whether the cancer is fast-growing
• Your overall health and how well your organs work
• Your personal preferences and goals for treatment

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you develop a fever or think you have an infection
• If you have severe side effects like breathing problems, chest pain, or unusual bleeding
• If you cannot keep fluids down or eat for more than a day

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have any new or worsening side effects during treatment
• If you have questions about your chemotherapy plan
• If you need help managing pain, nausea, or extreme tiredness

Diagnosis

Chemotherapy is not a disease, so it is not diagnosed. Instead, your cancer care team will confirm that you have cancer and then decide whether chemotherapy is right for you. They will look at your cancer's type, stage, and your overall health.

Tests that may be done

• Biopsy – a small piece of tissue is looked at under a microscope
• Blood tests – to check your general health and how well your organs are working
• Imaging scans such as CT, MRI, or PET scans – to see the size and spread of cancer
• Genetic tests on cancer cells – to find specific features that help guide treatment

What to expect at your appointment

You will meet with an oncologist (a doctor who treats cancer). They will review your test results and talk with you about the benefits and risks of chemotherapy. You will have time to ask questions and make a decision. The doctor will ask for your written consent before starting treatment.

Treatment

Chemotherapy uses strong medicines to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells. It can be given in two common ways: as a drip into a vein (intravenous or IV), or as tablets or capsules you swallow. Treatment is usually given in cycles, with rest periods in between to help you recover.

Self-care at home

• Get extra rest and plan your day around your energy levels
• Drink plenty of fluids if you can
• Eat small, frequent meals if you feel sick
• Avoid people who are sick or have infections
• Let friends and family help with daily tasks

Medical treatments

Chemotherapy can be given in different ways. The most common is intravenous chemotherapy, where the medicine drips into a vein through a thin tube. It may also be given as tablets, capsules, shots, or cream. Sometimes several chemo medicines are combined. Your care team will choose a plan based on the cancer type, stage, and your overall health. There are also other cancer treatments such as targeted therapy, hormone therapy, and immunotherapy. Your doctor will explain which options may work for you and why.

When is surgery considered?

Sometimes chemotherapy is given before surgery to shrink a tumor, making surgery easier or less invasive. Other times it is given after surgery to remove any remaining cancer cells. This is called neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy, depending on whether it happens before or after an operation.

Living with this condition

Living with chemotherapy means adjusting to a schedule of treatment and recovery days. Some people feel fine between sessions, while others feel very tired. It helps to plan your week around your energy, keep a diary of side effects, and bring a friend or family member to appointments for support.

Lifestyle tips

• Take gentle walks or do light stretching if you feel able
• Avoid alcohol or limit it to special occasions
• If you smoke, talk to your team about support to quit
• Stay away from crowds or people who are sick
• Try relaxation techniques like deep breathing or mindfulness

Diet and exercise

Eat a balanced diet with enough protein to help your body rebuild healthy cells. If your appetite is poor, try small snacks throughout the day. Gentle exercise like walking, yoga, or stretching can improve energy and mood. Always check with your care team before starting a new exercise plan.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Chemotherapy can be emotionally challenging. It is very common to feel anxious, sad, or overwhelmed. These feelings are normal and do not mean you are not strong. It is important to talk about how you feel, either with your care team, a counselor, or someone you trust. If you ever have thoughts of harming yourself, reach out for help right away.

Prevention

There is nothing to prevent chemotherapy, because it is a treatment, not an illness. But you can prepare for it by discussing your concerns with your care team, arranging practical help at home, and following their advice to stay strong during treatment.

Vaccines

There are no vaccines for chemotherapy itself. However, your doctor may recommend vaccines to protect you from infections like the flu or COVID-19 while your immune system is low. Always check with your care team before getting any vaccine during cancer treatment.

Screening programmes

Cancer screening is important for finding cancer early. If you are already receiving chemotherapy, your care team will check your health regularly with blood tests and exams. This is not the same as routine screening, but it is a key part of treatment.

Complications

If left untreated

• Without effective cancer treatment, cancer may continue to grow and spread
• Unmanaged side effects of chemotherapy can lead to serious infections, dehydration, or need for blood transfusions
• Stopping chemotherapy early without talking to your doctor may reduce the chance of success

Long-term outlook

There is a great deal of hope for people having chemotherapy. Many cancers can be treated successfully, and research keeps improving outcomes. Even when a cure is not possible, chemotherapy can shrink tumors, relieve symptoms, and help you live longer with a better quality of life. Your care team will be with you every step of the way.

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