What is Chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy is a medical treatment that uses powerful drugs to destroy cancer cells. These medicines target rapidly dividing cells in the body, making chemotherapy effective for cancers that have spread or may spread. It can be given through IV infusion, injections, or oral tablets and is often used alone or with surgery, radiation therapy, or targeted treatments.
Symptoms / Side Effects of Chemotherapy
- Fatigue or weakness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Hair thinning or hair loss
- Loss of appetite
- Mouth sores
- Low blood counts leading to infection risk
- Changes in skin or nails
Risk Factors (Who Needs Chemotherapy?)
- Type and stage of cancer
- Cancer that has spread to other parts of the body
- High risk of cancer recurrence
- Cancer not responding to other treatments
- Specific tumor markers or genetic findings
- Overall health condition of the patient
Benefits of Chemotherapy
- Destroys cancer cells throughout the body
- Shrinks tumors before surgery or radiation
- Kills remaining cancer cells after surgery
- Slows or stops cancer growth in advanced stages
- Helps relieve symptoms and improve quality of life
- Can cure certain cancers when given early and appropriately
