Overview
Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses medicines to kill cancer cells, shrink tumors, or slow cancer growth. Because many chemotherapy drugs circulate through the bloodstream, they can treat cancer cells throughout the body. Chemotherapy may be given in cycles, with treatment periods followed by rest periods so the body can recover.
Who Is Affected
People with many different types of cancer may receive chemotherapy, including children and adults. Some people get it before surgery or radiation to shrink a tumor, while others get it after other treatments to lower the chance of cancer returning. It may also be used when cancer has spread or when the goal is to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.
Diagnosis and Tests
Before chemotherapy starts, the healthcare team usually confirms the cancer type and stage using tests such as imaging, biopsy, and blood work. Blood tests may be repeated during treatment to check blood cell counts and how organs like the liver and kidneys are working. Some people also have heart or other organ tests depending on the medicines being considered.
Treatment Categories
Chemotherapy can be given in different ways, including through a vein, as tablets or capsules, by injection, or into a specific area such as the spinal fluid or abdomen. It may be used alone or combined with other cancer treatments. Common side effects can include tiredness, nausea, vomiting, mouth sores, hair loss, diarrhea or constipation, and a higher risk of infection, but side effects vary widely depending on the drugs used.
Living With It
Living through chemotherapy can affect daily routines, work, sleep, emotions, and family life. Many people need regular appointments, blood tests, and time to recover between cycles. Support from family, friends, cancer support services, mental health professionals, and the treatment team can help people manage the physical and emotional effects.
Diet and Lifestyle
During chemotherapy, it can help to focus on regular fluids, balanced meals, rest, and gentle physical activity if approved by the care team. Food safety is important, especially if blood counts are low, because infections can become serious more easily. People should check with their healthcare team before using vitamins, herbal products, or supplements, because some may interact with treatment.
When to Seek Medical Care
Contact the treatment team promptly if there is fever, chills, trouble drinking fluids, repeated vomiting, severe diarrhea, unusual bleeding or bruising, worsening pain, mouth sores that limit eating, or signs of dehydration. New cough, shortness of breath, rash, swelling, or confusion also need medical attention. Do not wait for the next appointment if symptoms are getting worse.
When It May Be an Emergency
Emergency care may be needed for chest pain, severe trouble breathing, fainting, seizures, severe allergic reactions, heavy bleeding, or a fever during chemotherapy, especially if the healthcare team has warned about low white blood cell counts. A very high fever, sudden confusion, or signs of sepsis can become life-threatening quickly. Follow the emergency instructions given by the cancer team and use local emergency services when needed.
Questions to Ask a Healthcare Professional
Useful questions include: What is the goal of this chemotherapy? How will it be given, and how often? What side effects should be reported right away, and who should be contacted after hours? Ask also how treatment may affect fertility, work, travel, vaccines, daily activities, and other medicines or supplements.