Chemotherapy is treatment with anti-cancer drugs, given to destroy or control cancer cells. A single drug may be given or several different drugs may be given together. This is called combination chemotherapy. The aim of the treatment will depend on the type of cancer you have and how advanced it is.
Chemotherapy drugs enter your bloodstream and therefore reach all parts of your body. Chemotherapy drugs destroy cancer cells by damaging them so they can’t divide and grow. The drugs can also affect normal cells which are growing and dividing quickly and this can cause side effects. These are usually temporary because healthy cells quickly recover and permanent damage is rare with most chemotherapy treatments.
Sometimes chemotherapy is used on its own in cancers that respond well to this treatment, however, chemotherapy is often used with other treatments. It may be given before surgery or radiotherapy to shrink the tumour or after these treatments to help destroy any cancer cells that may remain. The aim is to reduce the likelihood of your cancer returning in the future. Palliative chemotherapy is given if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body and the aim is to help relieve symptoms.
The length of your treatment will depend on how well your disease responds to the drugs. Your doctors may choose to give you treatment for several weeks and then check on your progress. Overall, it may take several months to complete your course of chemotherapy.
Your doctor will monitor your progress throughout treatment. There are several tests which may be repeated during your treatment including scans, x-rays and blood tests. These tests check on your health and the way chemotherapy is affecting you. They will vary from person to person so if you’re not sure why you’re having a particular test ask your doctor or nurse. Sometimes, as a result of the tests you have during treatment, your chemotherapy plan may be changed. For example, if the blood test shows that your ‘blood count’ is low, your doctor may decide to give you a longer rest period between cycles or reduce the dose of the drugs.