Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a widely used treatment for cancer. Cancer is a disease where cells in one specific or many parts of the body grow erratically and start to destroy healthy surrounding organs or tissue. These unhealthy cells multiply and grow forming masses of tissue called tumors. There are over 200 types of cancers known to health care professionals around the world and each type has its characteristics and treatment. Chemotherapy treatment of cancer uses drugs to treat abnormal cancerous cells. It is administered through the bloodstream and kills cancerous cells by targeting and finding the cells that are rapidly dividing wherever they are found.

The drugs that are administered during the treatment will depend on the type, stage of cancer and individual needs of the patient being treated. The length of the treatment is also determined by these factors. Many times chemotherapy is given in cycles which comprise periods of treatment and rest, giving the body time to recover in between treatments as it can have many types of side effects such as nausea, vomiting, hair loss and more. The treatment plan for chemotherapy is made by a team of healthcare professionals, led by the oncologist in agreement with the patient and their loved ones or family to decide which is the best course of action. Chemotherapy can also be administered in combination with other cancer treatments such as radiation or even surgery. The development and advancement of chemotherapy have been an important tool in the fight against cancer.