Chemotherapy Treatment Explained | Bowen Icon Cancer Centre

What is chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy, also known as SACT (Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy) services, is the use of anti-cancer drugs to destroy cancer cells. Many different kinds of chemotherapy medicines and treatment plans are available. The kind of medicines given, and how often they are needed, will depend on the type of cancer you have, how it responds to treatment, and how your body responds and copes with treatment. At Icon, we will talk your through your treatment plan and why it’s the best possible approach for you.

How is chemotherapy delivered?

Chemotherapy is typically given as an outpatient at a day hospital like our Icon chemotherapy treatment centres. We believe that delivering cancer care, closer to home is an important part of delivering the best possible care for our patients.

Treatment may be given orally, through a needle inserted into the vein (known as a catheter), directly into the organ or tissues affected by the cancer, or as a cream. Chemotherapy is usually given in multiple courses (cycles) for a set amount of time, or for as long as the treatment is effective. Having the treatment in cycles allows time for the healthy cells in your body to recover between treatments.

Chemotherapy may be used on its own, or in combination with other types of treatment, such as before or after surgery or radiotherapy, or together with radiotherapy.

Visit Icon’s cancer information library for more on how chemotherapy works.

What are the side effects of chemotherapy?

While chemotherapy destroys cancer cells, it is the damage to healthy cells that causes many of the common side effects of chemotherapy.

Side effects vary depending on the type of chemotherapy drug used and the individual person.

Most are temporary and can be treated or managed.

Frequently asked questions

Chemotherapy works by killing cells that are rapidly dividing, such as cancer cells. As well as killing cancer cells, chemotherapy also kills normal cells that are rapidly dividing. However, unlike cancer cells, normal cells can repair the damage and can recover.
Chemotherapy destroys cancer cells. However, some healthy cells are also damaged, and it is this damage that causes many of the more common side effects of chemotherapy. Side effects vary depending on the drugs used and the individual person. Most are temporary and can be treated or managed.
Each person responds differently to chemotherapy, and this also applies to weight. Some people may lose weight, while others may gain weight. Your cancer may also affect your weight. If you have any concerns about your weight during treatment, please raise them with your doctor.
Some people receiving chemotherapy will lose their hair, depending on the type of drugs you receive. Your doctor or nurse will be able to tell you whether your particular treatment will cause hair loss.
Some vitamins and medicines can interfere with the effects of chemotherapy. Please provide your care team with a list of the medicines you are currently taking, including over-the-counter medicines. If you start taking any new medicines during your treatment please let them know.
It’s recommended you do some light exercise, such as walking, to help manage fatigue and improve wellbeing. Studies have shown that exercising during your therapy is associated with an improved outcome.
Your ability to continue to work will depend on the nature of your work, your type of treatment and how well you feel during your treatment. Please discuss this with your doctor.
There may be certain activities you won’t be able to participate in during your treatment. This will depend on the treatment you are having, your diagnosis and your blood counts at the time. If you are unsure about whether you should take part in a particular activity, please speak with your doctor or nurse.
Chemotherapy can affect the production of blood cells in your body, including your white blood cells, which protect against infection. When your white blood cells are low, you are more at risk of developing a cold or infection. During this time, it’s important to avoid people who are unwell.

Find compassionate, expert cancer care close to home

Knowing what to expect during and after treatment can help you prepare and reduce any anxiety that you may be feeling. The following information has been put together to help you understand your chemotherapy treatment, and we hope to reduce any concerns you have. For advice specific to your needs and treatment plan, please speak to your treating doctor.

We are here to answer your questions, and to help you feel prepared for your treatment. If you would like more information, you can send us a message and we will have one of our team come back to you as soon as possible. Alternatively you can contact us directly.

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