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Chemotherapy is used to kill various fast-growing cell diseases, most notably cancer. Chemotherapy is an effective cancer treatment, but has a high risk of side effects.
Defination
Chemotherapy is a drug treatment for cancer and other diseases where the cells produce rapidly. Unfortunately, chemotherapy drugs also kill fast-growing cells that are naturally found in the body, like hair and blood cells.
Mechanisms
Chemotherapy is a systemic treatment since it can kill cancer cells found distant from the original cancer. According to the Mayo Clinic, the treatment plan and schedule determined by your doctor is based on the combination of drugs to kill the cancer, and drugs that support the completion of the treatment.
Different Drugs for Different Cancers
Cancer can grow at different rates, and chemotherapy drugs work differently to best destroy the cells they target during the cancer's life cycle. Depending on the drugs used chemotherapy can be injected intravenously, or through a body cavity, as well as taken orally.
Preparation
Doctors will instruct you on what to expect, and how best to prepare for chemotherapy. Preparation for treatment may include tying up affairs at home and work, running blood tests for specific genes that may cause additional side effects, as well as other tests to make sure your body is healthy enough for chemotherapy.
Side Effects
The Mayo Clinic states that chemotherapy has a high likely-hood for side effects such as hair loss, nausea, fatigue, and reduced white and red blood cells counts. Treatment can also bring hardship for family and friends since options may not be found close to home, and may take months or even years.
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