Why is Chemotherapy Used?
Chemotherapy is used to shrink tumors, prevent cancer recurrence, or manage metastatic disease. It can be given before surgery (neoadjuvant), after surgery (adjuvant), or as the main treatment for blood cancers.
Benefits of Chemotherapy
- Effective against cancers that have spread.
- Can be used in combination with other treatments.
- Helps reduce symptoms in advanced cancer stages.
What to Expect from Chemotherapy?
Side effects include nausea, hair loss, fatigue, and an increased risk of infection due to lowered immunity.
Evaluation and Procedure
Oncologists evaluate the type and stage of cancer before prescribing chemotherapy. The procedure varies based on drug selection and administration route.
Duration of Chemotherapy
Typically given in cycles over weeks or months to allow recovery between sessions.