What should I know about chemotherapy?
ACS Answer
Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. The drugs are given in the form of injections or pills. They enter the blood and reach throughout the body.
Chemotherapy may be used along with surgery and other types of treatment, or as a way to relieve symptoms if the cancer is in an advanced stage.
Side effects from chemotherapy depend on the type of drug, how much is used, and how long it is taken. They can include temporary hair loss, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. There are medications and other treatments available to help with these side effects. It is important to understand that many patients have few or no side effects. It is hard to predict who will and who will not; you may be among those who have few problems.
What to do
- Ask your doctor or nurse about possible side effects that might occur with the drugs you are taking and what you can do to prevent or reduce them.
- Go to every scheduled appointment.
- Report all side effects to your doctor.
- If you have nausea and vomiting, talk to your doctor.
- Tell your doctor if you are tired.
- Tell your doctor if you have diarrhea.
- For hair loss, wear hats or a wig. In cold weather cover your ears.
- Eat as much as you can tolerate.
Do not
- Hesitate to ask questions about your treatment (this will keep you informed and might make you feel less anxious)
- Miss any appointments
- Forget to report side effects to your doctor
- Visit people who have colds or infections
- Take any medicine without asking your doctor first
Call the doctor
- If any side effect lasts more than one day
- If you develop a fever of 100.5°F (temperature taken by mouth)
- If there is any bleeding
- If there is pain or redness where the chemotherapy was given
Related Resources
Try these resources for more information about chemotherapy:
Find books that cover this and other cancer topics at the American Cancer Society bookstore.
Recommended Consultation
You should consider discussing this topic with your doctor or health care team.
