Chemotherapy

Cancer treatment in Africa is evolving fast. But for many patients and their families, chemotherapy still feels like a terrifying unknown. Questions swirl. Myths spread. And while it is often a lifeline, it’s also misunderstood.

Let’s break it down clearly, honestly, and in a way that respects your time and your health journey.

Overview

What is chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy, often simply called chemo also known as systemic anti-cancer therapy (SACT) is a type of cancer treatment that uses medicines to stop the growth and spread of cancer cells. These drugs target rapidly dividing cells, which is why they’re effective against cancer. They can also affect some healthy fast-dividing cells (like those in hair follicles, the digestive tract, and bone marrow), which leads to side effects.

How does chemotherapy work?

Chemo medicines circulate through the bloodstream to reach cancer cells throughout the body. They may:

  • Shrink tumors before surgery (neoadjuvant therapy),

  • Destroy remaining cancer cells after surgery or radiation (adjuvant therapy),

  • Treat cancer as the main therapy when surgery/radiation aren’t suitable,

  • Control advanced cancer to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.

Delivery routes include intravenous (IV) infusions, oral tablets/capsules, injections, and, in specific situations, intrathecal (into the spinal fluid) or topical forms.

What types of cancer can chemotherapy treat?

(SACT) is used for many cancers, including:

  • Breast cancer

  • Lung cancer

  • Colorectal cancer

  • Ovarian cancer

  • Leukemia and lymphoma

  • Prostate cancer (commonly in advanced stages)
    It can be used alone or combined with surgery, radiation, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or hormone therapy. Treatment is individualized based on cancer type, stage, biology, and overall health.

Treatment Details

How do I prepare for chemotherapy treatment?

Preparation is medical, practical, and emotional:

  • Medical: Blood tests, imaging, dental review, and sometimes a minor procedure to place a port or PICC line.

  • Fertility: Discuss fertility preservation before starting treatment if future pregnancy is important.

  • Vaccinations & meds: Your team may update vaccines and prescribe anti-nausea or infection-prevention medicines.

  • Logistics & support: Arrange transport, nutrition, and time off work. Consider counseling and support groups.

Even having a trusted person accompany you to early sessions can help.

What happens during treatment?

Session length varies from minutes to several hours depending on the regimen. Typically:

  • You’ll check in and have vitals reviewed.

  • The team confirms your protocol and recent lab results.

  • Medicines are given via IV, injection, or orally.

  • You’ll be monitored for reactions. You can rest, read, or listen to music during infusions.

How intravenous (IV) chemotherapy drugs are given

IV (SACT) is common. Medicine may be infused through a vein in your arm or via a surgically placed port under the skin. Infusions can be a short push or run over hours. Some regimens require observation afterward.

How long is chemotherapy treatment?

Chemo is given in cycles (treatment days followed by rest days) to allow recovery. Schedules range from weekly to every 2–3 weeks, often for 3–6 months longer for some cancers or maintenance plans. Your oncologist adjusts duration based on response and tolerability.

Where will I receive chemotherapy treatments?

(SACT) can be delivered in:

  • Public or private hospitals

  • Outpatient cancer centers

  • Specialized clinics
    In select cases, treatment may be given at home under strict protocols. In many African cities, outpatient infusion centers are increasingly available.

Risks / Benefits

What are the side effects of chemotherapy?

Side effects differ by drug and person. Common ones include:

  • Fatigue

  • Nausea and vomiting (often preventable with modern anti-nausea meds)

  • Hair loss or thinning

  • Mouth sores and taste changes

  • Diarrhea or constipation

  • Low white blood cells (neutropenia) with higher infection risk

  • Low red cells (anemia) or platelets (bruising/bleeding)

  • Skin and nail changes

  • Nerve changes (peripheral neuropathy) with some drugs

Many effects are temporary and manageable. Your team may use growth factors, dose adjustments, or supportive medicines to reduce risks.

What are the benefits of chemotherapy?

(SACT) can:

  • Kill cancer cells throughout the body

  • Shrink tumors to make surgery or radiation more effective

  • Eliminate lingering microscopic disease after local treatment

  • Relieve symptoms in advanced cancer

  • Prolong survival and, in select cancers, achieve cure

Recovery and Outlook

How long do the side effects of chemotherapy last?

Some effects resolve days to weeks after treatment. Others like fatigue or neuropathy may take months to improve. Most people recover steadily with rest, nutrition, activity as tolerated, and follow-up care.

Can cancer come back after chemotherapy?

Yes. Recurrence risk depends on cancer type, stage, and treatment response. Ongoing follow-up, imaging, and blood tests are important to detect recurrence early.

At what stage of cancer do people receive chemotherapy?

(SACT) may be used at any stage to reduce recurrence risk in early disease or to control and relieve symptoms in advanced disease.

Is taking chemotherapy painful?

The infusion itself is usually not painful beyond a brief needle stick or port access. Discomfort more often comes from cumulative side effects, which your team will work to prevent and treat.

Can cancer be cured with chemotherapy?

Yes some cancers (for example, certain leukemias/lymphomas, testicular cancer, and others) are highly curable with chemotherapy-based regimens. In other cancers, chemo may control disease for long periods even if cure isn’t possible.

FAQs

Can chemotherapy cause cancer ? Yes, in rare cases. (SACT) can slightly increase the risk of developing a second cancer later in life. But this is uncommon and often outweighed by the life-saving benefits of treatment.

How chemotherapy is done ? (SACT) is typically administered through an intravenous (IV) line, but it can also be taken orally as pills, injected, or applied topically, depending on the type and stage of cancer. Treatment sessions vary in frequency and length.

Published 8th August 2025

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