Understanding Chemotherapy

What Is Chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to destroy cancer cells. Many different kinds of drugs are used, either alone or in combination, to treat different cancers. Chemotherapy drugs used in the treatment of cancer may be taken as tablets or, more commonly, given by intravenous drip directly into a vein.


How is chemotherapy administered?

Most chemotherapy is given by injection into a vein through an intravenous catheter (IV). Alternatively, chemotherapy can be injected into a muscle or under the skin or taken by mouth. Usually a patient has chemotherapy as an outpatient, but on occasion chemotherapy may be administered in the hospital. A short hospital stay may be necessary depending on several factors such as which drugs are given, the dose, how they are given, and the patient’s general health.

Chemotherapy is usually given in cycles. A cycle includes a treatment period (one or more days when treatment is given) followed by a recovery period (several days or weeks), then another treatment period, and so on.

Aims of chemotherapy
The major aims of chemotherapy are to:

• Cure the cancer or increase the chance of cure
• Reduce symptoms and improve quality of life
• Improve survival.

Chemotherapy And Side Effects

The side effects of chemotherapy depend mainly on the drugs and the doses the patient receives. The side effects vary from person to person. Generally, chemotherapy affects cells that divide rapidly. In addition to cancer cells, blood cells also divide rapidly and may be affected by chemotherapy. Blood cells fight infection, help the blood to clot, and carry oxygen to all parts of the body. When blood cells are affected by chemotherapy, patients are more likely to get infections, to bruise or bleed easily, and to feel unusually weak and tired.

Common side effects include:

• Hair loss (also called alopecia)
• Infection
• Reduced levels of red and white blood cells and platelets
• Mouth ulcers or mouth infections
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Bowel changes such as diarrhoea or constipation
• Skin problems such as itchiness or extreme light sensitivity.

Coping with side effects

Almost all side effects will disappear once treatment is completed. In the meantime, helpful strategies include:

• Rest as much as you can.
• Avoid sun exposure.
• Avoid using perfumes, deodorants, soaps, creams and make-up.
• Avoid scratchy or stiff clothing.
• Avoid hot showers or baths, scratchy towels and shaving.
• Exercise gently whenever possible.
• Avoid harsh hair treatments such as dyes, perms, hair rollers, gels and sprays if you are having radiotherapy to the head - which can cause hair loss.
• Seek help if you feel depressed or anxious.
• Try to snack lightly throughout the day rather than having three main meals.
• Choose high-energy foods.
• Avoid over-the-counter mouthwashes, alcohol and cigarettes
• Discuss fertility and sexual function with your specialist, as they may be affected by radiotherapy given to the pelvic area in men.