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What is chemotherapy?
We all know people who have had to fight cancer. If you saw them lose their hair and get very sick, they were probably treated with chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy (also called "chemo") involves special medicine used to kill cancer cells in our bodies. Most of the time, the medicine is given through a needle or IV (intravenous) line, but certain drugs can be given by mouth. A doctor who specializes in cancer - called an oncologist - gives the chemo.
Some people confuse chemotherapy with radiation therapy because cancer patients often get both treatments. Radiation therapy - also known as x-ray therapy, XRT or radiotherapy - uses powerful x-ray machines to shrink tumors and kill cancer cells.
Why does a cancer patient need chemo?
Chemo can be given for several reasons. Often, it's given to help cure cancer. Unfortunately, sometimes the cancer is not curable. Chemo can then be given to lessen pain or suffering, improve symptoms and prolong life.
Here are a few terms that will help you understand the reasons why chemo is given:
- Adjuvant chemo: given after the primary treatment (such as surgery) to help cure the disease. It may be given combined with radiation.
- Neoadjuvant chemo: given before surgery or radiation to shrink a tumor. It may be given combined with radiation.
- Palliative chemo: given to decrease pain and suffering and prolong life, but not to cure the disease.
How is chemo given?
Chemo is usually given through an IV (intravenous) line. Cancer patients often get surgical "ports" or "central lines" in their chests or arms as access points to their blood vessels.
Certain chemo drugs are given in pill form. Sometimes, chemo may be given through a needle.
How long does it take to get chemotherapy?
You'll usually go to the doctor's office or hospital to get chemo. It may take several hours to get the treatment each time. Sometimes, you may need to stay in the hospital for a few days or weeks for treatment.
Some cancer patients need chemo for several weeks or months, while others need it for a few years. It really depends on the type of cancer you have.
Chemo is often given in "cycles," with breaks between cycles for rest.
What are the risks and side effects?
There are many risks and side effects with chemo. They are different with each drug, so it's very important to know which ones you're getting.
Common side effects include:
- Feeling sick to your stomach (nausea) and vomiting
- Diarrhea and/or constipation
- Losing your hair
- Headache
- Tiredness and weakness
- Blood problems and bleeding
- Infection and fever
- Mouth sores
Some side effects of chemo can be very serious. Certain drugs can damage your organs. Although rare, they may even cause cancer or death.
Chemotherapy can save your life if you have cancer. Make sure to know the names and side effects of each of your chemo drugs.
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External Sources
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American Cancer Society
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National Cancer Institute
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National Institutes of Health
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This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.
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