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• • • What Is It
    • How Does Works
    • How is Given
    • Why is Preferred
    • When Chemotherapy is Used
    • Different Types
    • Commonly Asked Question

What is chemotherapy?

How does chemotherapy work?

Cancer cells grow and divide quickly. Chemotherapy drugs work by killing these rapidly growing cells. But the drugs don’t just attack cancer cells. They also affect other types of fast-growing cells in your body, such as those in your hair follicles, bone marrow (where new blood cells are made), and digestive tract. That’s why people who get chemo often have side effects, such as hair loss, mouth sores, and trouble sleeping

How is chemotherapy given?

Intravenously (into your veins) or by mouth. You might have chemo in cycles, with each treatment followed by a period of rest to allow your body to recover . The exact schedule depends on the type of cancer being treated and the drugs being used

Why is chemotherapy the preferred choice of cancer doctors in breast cancer?

There are several reasons why your doctor may recommend chemotherapy as the best treatment for you. Here are some of the most common:

1. Chemo is often the most effective treatment available for many types of cancer, including breast cancer.
2. It can kill cancer cells that have spread to other parts of your body.
3. It can shrink tumors before surgery. This can make surgery easier and may help prevent the need for a mastectomy.
4. It can be used to treat cancer that has come back after surgery or other treatments

In some cases, chemo may be the only treatment you need. In other cases, you may also need other treatments, such as radiation therapy, hormone therapy or targeted therapy.

When chemotherapy is used in breast cancer treatment?

There are different ways that chemotherapy can be used to treat breast cancer:

• Neoadjuvant chemotherapy: This is given before surgery to shrink the tumor. It may make it easier to remove the cancer and lower the risk of the cancer coming back.
• Adjuvant chemotherapy: This is given after surgery to kill any cancer cells that may remain in the body. It helps lower the risk of the cancer coming back
• Metastatic breast cancer: This is given to people with stage IV breast cancer or recurrent breast cancer. The goal is to control the cancer, relieve symptoms and improve quality of life

What are the different types of chemotherapy drugs?

There are many different kinds of chemo drugs. The type or combination of drugs you receive depends on many factors, including:

• The type of cancer you have
• The stage of the cancer(how far it has spread)
• Your overall health and medical history
• Your doctor will also consider how well you are likely to tolerate (handle) a certain type or combination of drugs

You may receive just one drug at a time, or you may receive two or more drugs at the same time. The drugs may be given intravenously (into your veins) or by mouth. You might have chemo in cycles, with each treatment followed by a period of rest to allow your body to recover.

Commonly asked question about chemotherapy for breast cancer

1. When will I start treatment?

Your doctor will develop a treatment plan for you based on many factors, including the type andstage of your cancer, your overall health and your treatment preferences. Once your treatment plan is determined, you will likely start chemotherapy within a few weeks.

2. How long will I need treatment?

The length of time you need chemo depends on many factors, including:

• The type of cancer you have
• The stage of your cancer
• The type of drugs you’re getting
• How well your body responds to the treatment

You might have chemo for a few months or longer. Be sure to talk with your doctor about how long your treatment will last.

3. How will I feel during chemotherapy?

The side effects of chemo depend on many factors, including:

• The type and dose of drugs you’re getting
• How often you’re getting treatments
• The total amount of drug you’re getting
• Your age and general health

The side effects of chemo usually go away after treatment ends. Some people have long-lasting effects, such as fatigue (extreme tiredness) or neuropathy (nerve damage). Be sure to talk with your doctor or nurse about the possible side effects of your chemo drugs and what you can do to ease them.

4. What are the possible side effects of chemotherapy?

Side effects from chemo can happen any time during, immediately after or a few days or weeks after treatment. They also differ from person to person and from one type of cancer to another. Common side effects from chemo include:

• Hair loss
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Loss of appetite
• Mouth sores
• Problems with sexual function or fertility
• Fatigue (extreme tiredness)
• Rashes or other skin problems
• Peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage that causes numbness, tingling and pain in the hands and feet)

Chemo can also cause more serious side effects, such as low blood counts, infection, organ damage and leukemia. Be sure to talk with your doctor about the possible side effects of your particular chemo drugs. You can also ask about ways to help prevent or relieve these side effects.

5. What can I do to manage chemotherapy side effects?

There are many things you can do to help ease the side effects of chemo. Some side effects, such as hair loss, are temporary and will go away when treatment ends. Others, such as fatigue, can be more long-lasting. Be sure to talk with your doctor or nurse about the side effects you’re experiencing and ask about ways to help relieve them. Here are some general tips:

• Get plenty of rest
• Eat a healthy diet
• Exercise regularly
• Avoid alcohol and tobacco
• Ask about medicines to help with side effects

You can also ask your doctor about joining a support group for people who are going through cancer treatment. Talking with others who are going through the same thing can be helpful. And it can give you practical tips for dealing with chemo side effects.