Chemotherapy (Chemo) is a kind of  cancer treatment that uses intensive drugs to eliminate cancer cells.

How does chemotherapy work?

Chemotherapy works by stopping or slowing down the growth of cancer cells, which grow and divide quickly and numerously. The treatment can also end up harming healthy cells that divide quickly, such as ones that line your mouth, intestines or the ones that cause your hair to grow. Often, side effects reverse or go away completely once the chemo is over.

What does chemotherapy do?

• Chemotherapy destroys cancer cells to the point that your doctor can no longer trace them in your body.

• Chemotherapy keeps cancer from spreading, slows down its growth.

• Chemotherapy shrinks tumours that are causing pain or pressure.

How chemotherapy is given?

• Injection form - in a muscle in your arm, thigh, or hip or right under the skin in the fatty part of your belly, arm or leg.

• Intra-arterial (IA)- directly into the artery that is feeding the cancer.

• Intraperitoneal (IP)- directly into the area that contains organs such as your intestines, stomach, liver, and ovaries.

• Intravenous (IV)- directly into a vein.

• Topically- in a cream form that you can rub onto your skin.

• Orally- in form of pills, capsules, or liquids that you swallow.

What are its common side effects?

• Fatigue

• Hair loss

• Easy bruising and bleeding

• Infection

• Anaemia (low red blood cell counts)

• Nausea and vomiting

• Appetite changes

• Constipation

• Diarrhoea

• Mouth, tongue, and throat problems like  sores and pain while swallowing

• Nerve and muscle problems like numbness, tingling, and pain

• Skin and nail changes like dryness and colour alteration

• Kidney problems

• Weight related issues

• Chemo brain (affecting concentration and focus)

• Mood swings

• Libido changes  

• Fertility disorders