This topic will help you learn about chemotherapy and how to prepare for it.
What is chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy is a treatment for in which chemical drugs are used to kill cancer cells, preventing them from growing and spreading in the body.
When is chemotherapy performed?
Chemotherapy may be used if the cancer has spread or there is a risk of it spreading. It can be used for:
- Treating cancer as the only option.
- Adjuvant therapy, where it can be combined with .
- Before surgery to shrink the tumor.
- After radiation therapy or surgery to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.
- Relieving symptoms if treatment is not possible (palliative chemotherapy).
The effectiveness of chemotherapy varies greatly. Ask your doctor about the chances of success in your case.
How do you prepare for chemotherapy?
If you are diagnosed with cancer, your care team will recommend chemotherapy if they believe it is the best option for you, after you have asked questions and chosen the treatment.
- Before starting chemotherapy, you will undergo tests to check your overall health and ensure the treatment is suitable for you, such as blood tests to check liver and kidney function, your blood cell count, as well as X-rays and scans to check the size of the cancer.
- Measuring your height and weight to help your team determine the correct dosage.
- The medical team develops a clear treatment plan that include
- The type of chemotherapy you will receive.
- How many treatment sessions you will need.
- How often you will need treatment. After each treatment, you will have a break before the next session to allow your body to recover.
- During treatment, you will also undergo tests to monitor how effective the treatment is.
Your treatment plan will depend on factors such as the type of cancer you have and the goal of the treatment.
