Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses strong medicine to kill cancer cells. It works by attacking cancer cells, but it can also affect healthy cells in areas like the hair, skin, mouth, stomach, and bones. This is why people may experience side effects like hair loss, nausea, tiredness, and a weaker immune system.

Chemotherapy is usually given through a drip into your bloodstream.

Some types of chemotherapy cause more side effects than others. Many are mild and can be managed at home, but if you’re already feeling unwell, they may be harder to cope with. If a full recovery isn’t possible, treatment focuses on managing symptoms and improving your quality of life.

There are over 100 types of chemotherapy drugs, and each one can cause different side effects. Your doctor or nurse will explain which side effects you might experience based on your specific treatment.

Here are some key things to remember:

• You probably won’t have every possible side effect.
• Some people only get mild side effects.
• Most side effects go away after treatment ends.
• There are medicines that can help with many side effects.

If you're feeling unwell or struggling with side effects, talk to your doctor or nurse—they can help make things easier for you.

Find side effects of specific drugs here.

It's natural to have concerns about chemotherapy. Asking questions can help you understand how the treatment works, what side effects you might have, and how to cope with them.

Here are some questions you can ask your doctor:

• Why do I need chemotherapy, and how will it help?
• What kind of chemotherapy will I get, and how does it work?
• How long will my treatment last, and how often will I need it?
• What side effects should I expect, and what can I do to ease them?
• Will chemotherapy affect my ability to have children, and should I save sperm beforehand?
• How will treatment affect my daily life, work, and exercise?
• Will I need to stay in the hospital, or can I go home after each session?
• Are there any long-term effects I should know about?
• What can I do to stay as healthy as possible during treatment?
• Will I need check-ups or tests after chemotherapy?
• Are there any other treatments or clinical trials I should consider?

This chapter contains general information about chemotherapy. If you have any specific questions about your own medical situation you should consult your doctor or other professional healthcare provider. No website or leaflet can replace a personal conversation with your doctor.

Last updated: March 2025