Chemotherapy refers to medications given to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells. However, because chemotherapy works throughout the body (for example on all cells in a particular stage of development), healthy cells are attacked as well as cancerous ones. Because healthy cells are also damaged during chemotherapy, side effects are likely. Chemotherapy commonly causes nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, and low blood cell counts that lead to anemia and increased risk ... Chemotherapy drugs can damage healthy, fast-growing cells, such as the new blood cells in bone marrow or cells in the mouth, stomach, skin, hair and reproductive organs. When healthy cells are damaged, it causes side effects. Understanding side effects Everyone reacts to chemotherapy treatment differently. You may have many side effects or a few. Whether you experience side effects and whether they are mild or severe can depend on the type and dose of drugs you are given. Your reaction can ... Chemotherapy is a treatment used to attack rapidly-growing cancer cells. Learn why it is used, what to expect, and how to cope with the side effects. Your cancer doctor and nurse will explain the side effects that your chemotherapy is likely to cause. The main areas of your body that may be affected by chemotherapy are areas where new cells are quickly made and replaced.
