Chemotherapy
General chemotherapy education for patients
(all that you want to know)
What is chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy (or chemo) is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to destroy cancer cells.
How do chemotherapy work?
Chemotherapy works by stopping or slowing the growth of cancer cells. Some healthy cells may also be affected by chemotherapy. Damage to healthy cells may cause side effects. Chemotherapy eliminates cancer cells, while minimizing the negative effect on normal, healthy cells.
You may also get surgery, radiation or hormone therapy along with chemotherapy. Do all patients receive the same chemotherapy medicine?
There are several types of chemotherapy the use of which depends on the type of cancer, various existing disease like diabetes, heart disease. Your doctor will choose the type of chemotherapy you need. The use of high-energy radiation from x-rays, gamma rays, neutrons, protons, and other sources to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation may come from a machine outside the body (external-beam radiation therapy), or it may come from radioactive material placed in the body near cancer cells (internal radiation therapy). Systemic radiation therapy uses a radioactive substance, such as a radiolabeled monoclonal antibody, that travels in the blood to tissues throughout the body. Also called radiotherapy and irradiation.
Do I need to do any test before chemotherapy?
Before every chemotherapy session you may undergo routine blood test like DLC, Hemoglobin along with others test which is decided by your doctor. You may also be administered anti-emetics to prevent nausea and vomiting. It is helpful if light food is taken before your chemotherapy session.
Will there be any problem during chemotherapy session?
You may have the feeling of uneasiness during the chemotherapy session; appropriate medicines are also given to relieve such symptoms.
How is chemotherapy medicines administered?
The chemotherapy medications may be
(all that you want to know)
What is chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy (or chemo) is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to destroy cancer cells.
How do chemotherapy work?
Chemotherapy works by stopping or slowing the growth of cancer cells. Some healthy cells may also be affected by chemotherapy. Damage to healthy cells may cause side effects. Chemotherapy eliminates cancer cells, while minimizing the negative effect on normal, healthy cells.
You may also get surgery, radiation or hormone therapy along with chemotherapy. Do all patients receive the same chemotherapy medicine?
There are several types of chemotherapy the use of which depends on the type of cancer, various existing disease like diabetes, heart disease. Your doctor will choose the type of chemotherapy you need. The use of high-energy radiation from x-rays, gamma rays, neutrons, protons, and other sources to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation may come from a machine outside the body (external-beam radiation therapy), or it may come from radioactive material placed in the body near cancer cells (internal radiation therapy). Systemic radiation therapy uses a radioactive substance, such as a radiolabeled monoclonal antibody, that travels in the blood to tissues throughout the body. Also called radiotherapy and irradiation.
Do I need to do any test before chemotherapy?
Before every chemotherapy session you may undergo routine blood test like DLC, Hemoglobin along with others test which is decided by your doctor. You may also be administered anti-emetics to prevent nausea and vomiting. It is helpful if light food is taken before your chemotherapy session.
Will there be any problem during chemotherapy session?
You may have the feeling of uneasiness during the chemotherapy session; appropriate medicines are also given to relieve such symptoms.
How is chemotherapy medicines administered?
The chemotherapy medications may be