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Breast Cancer Health Centre
Treatment |
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy refers to the use of anticancer drugs to kill cancer cells, which may have spread to other parts of the body. It is given by injection or in pills. Chemotherapy can also be used as a treatment for cancer which has become widespread or if the origin of the cancer is unknown.
Chemotherapy may also be given after surgery. This is called adjuvant therapy. It can reduce the chance of breast cancer's return. It may also be given before surgery (neoadjuvant chemotherapy) to shrink the tumour and make it easier to remove.
Side effects depend on the dosage of the drugs, the length of treatment and the individual. They may include:
- nausea and vomiting
- loss of appetite
- hair loss
- mouth sores
- changes in menstrual cycle including menopause
- a higher risk of infection caused by a shortage of white blood cells
- fatigue
- rarely, more severe side effects such as leukemia or heart failure
Chemotherapy is given in cycles, with each period of treatment followed by a recovery period. The total course lasts three to six months. It is often more effective to use several drugs, rather than a single drug alone.
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