Risks and benefits of chemotherapy session

Overview

Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses powerful medicines to kill fast-growing cells in the body, most often used to treat cancer. A chemotherapy session is one round of this treatment, usually given through a needle into a vein or as a pill. The session itself takes a few hours, and it is repeated over weeks or months.

Yes, chemotherapy is a very common cancer treatment. Millions of people around the world receive chemotherapy each year as part of their cancer care.

Chemotherapy is used for people with many types of cancer, at different stages. It may be given before surgery to shrink a tumour, after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells, or as the main treatment when surgery is not possible. It can also be used for some non-cancer conditions.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Feeling very tired (fatigue)
• Feeling sick (nausea) or vomiting
• Hair loss – on your head, face, and body
• Loss of appetite or changes in taste
• Mouth sores or a dry mouth
• Increased risk of infections (low white blood cells)

Symptoms in children

• Children may have the same side effects as adults, but they often cope better with nausea and fatigue.
• They may be more likely to have changes in growth or development, so doctors monitor this carefully.
• Younger children may not be able to explain how they feel, so look out for changes in behaviour, eating, or energy levels.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults may experience more severe fatigue and a higher risk of infection.
• They are more likely to have other health conditions (like heart disease) that can make side effects worse.
• Kidney and liver function may decline with age, affecting how the body processes chemotherapy.

Causes

Main causes

• Chemotherapy is given to treat cancer – it works by killing cancer cells or stopping them from growing.
• It may also be used to prepare the body for a stem cell transplant or to treat some non-cancer conditions like autoimmune diseases.

Risk factors

• The type and stage of your cancer affect how likely you are to need chemotherapy.
• Your overall health, age, and organ function (especially kidneys and liver) influence which chemotherapy is safe for you.
• Some gene changes in the cancer cells can make them more or less responsive to certain chemotherapy medicines.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have a fever of 38°C or higher during chemotherapy, contact your cancer team or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
• If you have any signs of infection, like chills, a cough that gets worse, or burning when you urinate.
• If you have severe vomiting or diarrhoea that stops you from drinking – you may need fluids.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have any side effects that worry you, even if they seem small – your team can help.
• Before each chemotherapy session, tell your doctor about any new symptoms or changes in how you feel.
• If you miss a dose or are late for a session, call your treatment centre for advice.

Diagnosis

Chemotherapy is not a diagnosis – it is a treatment. Before starting, your doctor will confirm the type and stage of your cancer using tests like biopsies, scans, and blood tests. They will also check your heart, kidney, and liver health to make sure chemotherapy is safe for you.

Tests that may be done

• Blood tests (full blood count) to check your levels of red cells, white cells, and platelets
• Kidney and liver function tests
• Scans (CT, MRI, PET) to see the size and location of the cancer
• Biopsy – removing a small piece of tissue to look at under a microscope
• Heart function tests like an echocardiogram if needed

What to expect at your appointment

Before your first session, you will have a meeting with your cancer care team. They will explain the treatment plan, how long each session takes, and what side effects to expect. On the day of treatment, you sit in a comfortable chair while the medicine is given through an IV line or as a pill. The session may last from 30 minutes to several hours. You can bring a book, music, or someone to talk to.

Treatment

Chemotherapy is usually given in cycles: a period of treatment followed by a rest period to let your body recover. The number of cycles and total length of treatment depend on your type of cancer and how well it responds.

Self-care at home

• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
• Eat small, frequent meals if you do not feel like a full meal – bland foods may be easier on your stomach.
• Rest when you are tired, but try to do light activity like short walks when you feel able.
• Ask your team about medicines to prevent or reduce nausea – these are very effective.
• Keep your mouth clean with a soft toothbrush and rinse with salt water if mouth sores appear.

Medical treatments

Your healthcare team may prescribe medicines to help with side effects, such as anti-nausea drugs, growth factors to boost white blood cells, or mouthwashes for mouth sores. They will also monitor your blood counts and adjust your chemotherapy dose if needed. Some people receive supportive treatments like IV fluids or blood transfusions.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is a separate treatment, but it often works well with chemotherapy. Chemotherapy may be given before surgery to shrink a tumour, making it easier to remove. It is also given after surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells and lower the chance of the cancer coming back. Your surgical team and oncology team will coordinate your care.

Living with this condition

During your chemotherapy sessions, it helps to plan your schedule around your treatment days. You may have more energy at the beginning of a cycle and feel more tired near the end. Let your family, friends, and employer know so they can support you. Many people continue working or studying part-time, while others need time off to rest.

Lifestyle tips

• Wash your hands often to reduce your risk of infection.
• Avoid crowded places or people who are sick, especially when your white blood cell count is low.
• Get enough rest – listen to your body and take naps if needed.
• Find activities that help you relax, like reading, listening to music, or gentle yoga.
• Stay connected with people you trust – loneliness can make side effects feel harder.

Diet and exercise

Eat a balanced diet with plenty of protein to help your body repair cells. If you have a poor appetite, try calorie-rich drinks or smoothies. Gentle exercise, like short walks or stretching, can help maintain your strength and mood. Always check with your doctor before starting any new exercise during chemotherapy.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Chemotherapy can be emotionally tough. You might feel anxious, sad, or overwhelmed. These feelings are normal. It can help to talk to a counsellor, join a support group, or share your feelings with loved ones. If you ever have thoughts of harming yourself, call your local emergency number or a crisis helpline immediately.

Prevention

The side effects of chemotherapy cannot always be prevented, but they can be reduced. Your team may give you medicines before each session to prevent nausea. Keeping your immune system healthy with good nutrition and rest helps prevent infections. Avoid smoking and limit alcohol during treatment to lower additional risks.

Vaccines

Some vaccines, like the flu shot, are recommended during chemotherapy, but they must be inactive (non-live) vaccines. Talk to your doctor before getting any vaccine, as live vaccines (like the nasal flu spray) are not safe when your immune system is weak.

Screening programmes

Before starting chemotherapy, your doctor will screen your heart, kidneys, and liver to make sure you are healthy enough. During treatment, regular blood tests screen for signs of infection or organ stress. After treatment, you will have regular follow-up scans and check-ups to monitor for any late effects.

Complications

If left untreated

• Untreated infections can become serious quickly because your white blood cells are low.
• Severe nausea and vomiting can lead to dehydration and imbalance of salts in your body.
• Not completing chemotherapy as planned may reduce the chance of the treatment working against the cancer.

Long-term outlook

Most side effects of chemotherapy are temporary and improve after treatment ends. Many people complete their planned cycles and go on to live full, active lives. Even when chemotherapy is used as a palliative treatment (to relieve symptoms rather than cure), it can improve quality of life. Your healthcare team will work with you to manage risks and make the journey as manageable as possible.

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