Chemotherapy

Introduction to Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy, often referred to as "chemo," is a treatment physicians use to treat and cure cancer in patients. Chemotherapy has been helping patients fight cancer for more than 50 years.

How Chemotherapy Works

Chemotherapy works by slowing down or even stopping the growth and reproduction of cancer cells. Chemotherapy may also harm the body’s healthy cells that divide quickly, as well as lead to some side effects. Usually, the side effects go away after chemotherapy has ended.

What Does Chemotherapy Do?

Chemotherapy is used to:

• Cure cancer by destroying all cancer cells in the body until they can no longer be detected in lab tests and will not grow back
• Control cancer by preventing the cancer from spreading, by slowing down its growth, or by killing any cancer cells that have spread to other parts of the body
• Ease cancer symptoms by shrinking the tumor(s), which may be causing the patient uncomfortable pressure or pain. This is known as palliative therapy

How Is Chemo Given?

Chemotherapy may be given daily, weekly, or monthly depending on the type of cancer and the recommended treatment. Most chemotherapy drugs are given in one of the following forms:

• Pill – Some chemotherapy drugs are in pill form, which can be taken at home under the guidance of a healthcare professional
• Shots or injections – Chemotherapy may be administered in shots given at the doctor’s office, hospital or home
• IV (intravenous) – Chemotherapy is often introduced directly into the patients’ veins through a needle or narrow plastic tube

What Are the Side Effects of Chemo?

Some people experience very minimal side effects from chemotherapy, but many times treatments may have a dramatic impact on how a person looks and feels. To learn more about side effects, click here.

Chemotherapy and Your Family and Friends

If there comes a time that you need help, don’t hesitate to ask your friends and family for assistance during treatments.

Many people will want to help and you may need it. There may also be times when people close to you may feel tired, sad, or overwhelmed with your illness. If this happens, try to understand that this is stressful for them as well, and make sure they know how much you appreciate their support.