Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses drugs to target and destroys cancer cells. It is one of the most common treatments for cancer, and it has helped countless people beat their illnesses. Here, we will discuss chemotherapy, how it works, and why it’s used.
How Does Chemotherapy Work?
Chemotherapy works by using drugs to target and destroy growing cancer cells rapidly. These drugs attack the cells at their weakest points and stop them from multiplying further. This means that chemotherapy can treat existing tumours and prevent new ones from forming in other parts of the body; this is known as metastasis.
What Types of Cancer Can Be Treated with Chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy treats many cancers, including breast, colorectal, leukaemia, lung, lymphoma, ovarian, pancreatic, and more. Different types of chemotherapy may be used depending on the type and stage of the tumour or tumours being treated. Sometimes multiple types are used together in combination therapy for maximum effectiveness.
Side Effects of Chemotherapy
Like all cancer treatments, chemotherapy comes with its side effects. Some common side effects include nausea and vomiting; fatigue; hair loss; anaemia; low white blood cell counts; mouth sores; diarrhoea or constipation; increased risk of infection due to low immunity levels; changes in appetite or taste buds; changes in skin colouration; and nerve damage. While these side effects can be unpleasant or uncomfortable, they are usually temporary and manageable with proper care.
Chemotherapy is a powerful tool in the fight against cancer. It helps target rapidly dividing cells while leaving healthy cells alone—preventing new tumours from forming while shrinking existing ones—and allowing patients a better chance at beating their illness. While some unpleasant side effects are associated with chemotherapy treatments, they are usually temporary and manageable with proper care from your healthcare team. If you have been diagnosed with cancer and your doctor has suggested chemotherapy as part of your treatment plan, ask questions about what to expect throughout your treatment so you can stay informed about your care options at every step!
