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Cancer is one of the toughest battles a person can face. While there are many treatment options available, one of the most well-known is chemotherapy. You might have heard this word before, especially in movies or stories about cancer. But what is chemotherapy, how does it work, and what can one expect during the treatment? In this blog, let’s simplify chemotherapy for you — its process, side effects, and when to see a doctor.
What is Chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy, often called chemo, is a treatment that uses powerful drugs to kill fast-growing cancer cells in the body. Since cancer cells grow and divide quickly, chemotherapy targets these cells and destroys them.
However, chemo can also affect some healthy cells that grow fast, like those in your hair, mouth, and stomach, which is why side effects occur during treatment.
Chemotherapy can be used alone or combined with other treatments like surgery, radiation therapy, or targeted therapies, depending on the type and stage of cancer.
Facing cancer symptoms or undergoing treatment? Visit Continental Cancer Centre for expert care and advanced treatment today.
Why is Chemotherapy Given?
Doctors recommend chemotherapy for different reasons, such as:
To cure cancer: In some cases, chemotherapy can completely destroy cancer cells.
To control cancer: It can stop cancer from spreading or slow its growth.
To ease symptoms: When cancer cannot be cured, chemotherapy can help reduce pain and other symptoms by shrinking tumours.
Your oncologist (cancer specialist) will decide the purpose based on the type of cancer you have and how advanced it is.
How Does Chemotherapy Work?
To understand this better, imagine your body as a city. Cancer cells are like bad drivers speeding through streets without following any rules, causing chaos. Chemotherapy works like traffic police officers who track and stop these reckless drivers.
Chemotherapy drugs travel through the bloodstream and reach cancer cells throughout the body. They work by either killing these fast-growing cells or stopping them from multiplying.
How is Chemotherapy Given?
Chemotherapy can be given in different ways based on the type of cancer and the patient’s condition:
Intravenous (IV): The most common method, where the medicine is injected into a vein using a drip.
Oral: Chemotherapy in the form of pills or capsules.
Injection: Given through a shot into the muscle or under the skin.
Topical: Creams or gels applied to the skin, usually for skin cancers.
Direct Placement: In some cases, chemo is placed directly into a body part like the abdomen or spinal cord.
What Happens During Chemotherapy Treatment?
Before starting, your doctor will perform tests to check your blood count, liver, and kidney function. You’ll also be guided about what to eat, drink, and avoid before each session.
During the treatment:
- If it's an IV session, you’ll sit in a comfortable chair while the medicine slowly enters your vein through a drip.
- The duration can be a few minutes to several hours, depending on the drug.
After the session:
- You might feel tired or nauseous.
- Some people prefer resting for a while at the hospital before heading home.
- Chemotherapy is usually given in cycles. A cycle means a period of treatment followed by a rest period. This gives your body time to recover before the next session.
Common Side Effects of Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy affects not only cancer cells but also some healthy cells, leading to side effects. The severity depends on the type of drugs, dosage, and your body’s reaction.
Here are the most common side effects:
- Fatigue: Feeling extremely tired, even after resting.
- Hair Loss: This happens because chemo affects hair roots, but hair often grows back after treatment ends.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Though modern medicines help reduce this.
- Loss of Appetite: Changes in taste and reduced desire to eat.
- Mouth Sores: Painful ulcers inside the mouth.
- Low Blood Cell Counts: Leading to infections, weakness, or bleeding.
- Skin and Nail Changes: Dry skin or brittle nails.
- Memory and Concentration Problems: Often called “chemo brain.”
Not everyone experiences all these side effects, and some people may have very mild symptoms.
How to Manage Side Effects
- Rest well and stay hydrated.
- Eat small, healthy meals rich in proteins and vitamins.
- Use mild shampoos and avoid harsh hair treatments.
- Rinse your mouth regularly to prevent sores.
- Inform your doctor about any unusual symptoms immediately.
- Most side effects disappear after the treatment ends.
When Should You See a Doctor?
If you are experiencing:
- Persistent fever
- Severe vomiting or diarrhea
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
…it’s important to contact your doctor right away. Early care can prevent complications.
Why Choose Continental Hospitals for Chemotherapy?
At Continental Hospitals, Hyderabad, we believe that every cancer patient deserves not just world-class medical care but also warmth, hope, and support. Here’s why so many patients trust us for their cancer treatment:
- Highly Experienced Oncologists: Our team includes specialists trained in the latest chemotherapy techniques.
- Advanced Technology: State-of-the-art equipment and treatment options tailored to each patient’s needs.
- Comprehensive Cancer Care: From diagnosis to rehabilitation, our multidisciplinary team works together for your recovery.
- Patient-Centric Approach: Focus on personalised care, comfort, and counselling to ease the emotional and physical stress of treatment.
- Modern, Comfortable Facilities: Chemotherapy day-care lounges are designed for patient comfort and safety.
Your fight against cancer is our fight too — and at Continental Hospitals, you’ll never face it alone.
Conclusion
Chemotherapy remains one of the most effective ways to fight cancer. While it can cause side effects, modern medicine and supportive care have made this treatment much safer and more manageable than before.
Facing cancer symptoms or undergoing treatment? Visit Continental Cancer Centre for expert care and advanced treatment today.
