A caregiver providing comfort to a cancer patient

Chemotherapy for Cancer

Chemotherapy is a treatment used to attack rapidly-growing cancer cells. Learn why it is used, what to expect when it is administered, and how to cope with the side effects.
A woman doing chemotherapy and scalp cooling
Scalp Cooling: Preventing Hair Loss From Chemotherapy
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Young woman receiving chemotherapy, elevated view
How to Lower Your Infection Risk During Chemotherapy
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
test tube with blood evaluating bone marrow suppression due to chemotherapy
Bone Marrow Suppression During and After Chemotherapy
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
A man putting toothpaste on his toothbrush
Mouth Sores From Chemotherapy: Food Choices and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sanja Jelic, MD
Balding woman fighting breast cancer outdoors looking off camera.
Coping With Hair Loss During Chemotherapy
Medically reviewed by Casey Gallagher, MD
woman wearing head scarf after chemo
Can You Prevent Hair Loss From Chemotherapy?
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
hand of patient to saline healthcare medical
Common Skin Problems During Chemotherapy
Medically reviewed by Douglas A. Nelson, MD
AMBULATORY CHEMOTHERAPY
What to Do About Acid Reflux During Chemotherapy
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Intravenous cancer treatment
Adrucil (Fluorouracil): Dosage, Side Effects, Interactions
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
little girl who is neutropenic due to chemotherapy
Overview of Neutropenia During Chemotherapy
Medically reviewed by Douglas A. Nelson, MD
Cancer patient laying in her hospital bed
How to Deal With Taste Changes Caused by Chemotherapy
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Lonely old asian patient on patient bed in hospital
What to Do if Food Loses Its Flavor During Chemotherapy
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Woman with bitter taste in her mouth
Coping With Metallic Taste During Chemotherapy
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
nurse and patient discussing palliative chemotherapy
Palliative Chemotherapy - Goals of Treatment
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Tote and list of what to bring to chemo
The Essentials List of What to Pack for Chemotherapy
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Person standing on scale
Weight Loss and Chemotherapy
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
washing vegetables is important on a neutropenic diet
Neutropenic Diet While on Chemotherapy: Safe Food Practices
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Torn packaging of wrapper containing a condom
Do You Need to Use Condoms During Chemotherapy?
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Finding comfort in his arms
Dealing With Low Sex Drive During Cancer Treatment
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
foot massage
Benefits of Undergoing a Massage During Chemotherapy
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Ambulatory chemotherapy
Prevention of Blood Clots During Chemotherapy
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Blood in human urine in sample pot
Having Red Urine Following Chemotherapy
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
A bag of chemotherapy drugs.
Extravasation Symptoms and Prevention
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Female cancer survivor with shaved head looking at remote rural view
When Will You Begin Losing Your Hair During Chemo?
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Young man receiving a non-tunneled central venous catheter.
Learn How a Tunneled Central Line (CVC) Is Used
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
A woman washing her hands
Safely Handling Fluids and Waste After Chemotherapy
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
chemotherapy infusion clinic. is Neulasta or Neuopogen better?
Neulasta vs. Neupogen for Neutropenia During Chemotherapy
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
man pouring medication pills into hand
Managing Diarrhea During Chemotherapy
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Woman in underwear.
Pubic Hair Loss and Chemotherapy
Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD
Woman sitting at the edge of a pool with sun hat on
Sun Sensitivity During Chemotherapy
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Woman using cream
7 Ways to Manage Dry Skin During Chemotherapy
Medically reviewed by Casey Gallagher, MD
Portrait of a young African American Woman with Cancer
Hair Regrowth After Chemotherapy
Medically reviewed by Casey Gallagher, MD
fried egg
7 Ways to Eat Well During Chemotherapy
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
person getting lumbar puncture
Overview of Intrathecal Chemotherapy Treatment
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Patient recieving chemotherapy talking to doctor
Common Types of Central Venous Catheters
Medically reviewed by Michael Menna, DO
tanning bed
Tanning During Chemotherapy Treatments
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Young woman sing triple mix for mouth sores from chemotherapy
Triple Mix To Relieve Pain of Mouth Sores After Chemotherapy
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Woman about to start chemotherapy
Does It Hurt to Receive Chemotherapy?
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Woman vomiting into bucket from bed
Why Chemotherapy Causes Nausea and Vomiting
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
woman with IV for receiving combination chemotherapy
Combination Chemotherapy: History, Benefits, and Risks
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
lab technician drawing blood to test for low platelets during chemotherapy
Thrombocytopenia: Managing Low Platelets During Chemotherapy
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Young Man Receiving Chemotherapy at home.
Symptoms of Dehydration During Chemotherapy
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Red and white blood cells
Nadir: A Common Side Effect of Chemotherapy
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
cancer survivor with chemo curls
How to Care for and Style Chemo Curls
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
A white blood cell.
Treating Immunosuppression Caused by Immunodeficiency
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Adderall pills
Adderall and Other Stimulants for Chemobrain
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Wigs in store window
How to Get Free Headgear During Chemotherapy
Fact checked by Lisa Sullivan, MS
Husband hugging wife with cancer
The Sexual Side Effects of Chemotherapy
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Doctors attending patients receiving intravenous infusion in hospital
How to Be Prepared for Your Chemotherapy Session
Fact checked by Ashley Hall
man reading during chemo treatment
What to Do During Chemotherapy Appointments
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Glass of alcohol on wooden table after chemotherapy
Is It Safe to Drink Alcohol During Chemotherapy?
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Eyebrow pencils and a brush
Coping With Eyebrow Loss From Chemotherapy
Medically reviewed by Douglas A. Nelson, MD
Man talking to female doctor
Chemotherapy Side Effects and Prevention
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Chicken soup in plate with spoon on napkin, close up
Make Meals Ahead of Time Before Starting Chemotherapy
Fact checked by Dale Brauner
closeup of an iv drip with woman in pink hospital bed in blurry background
Long Term Side Effects of Chemotherapy
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Doctor discussing with patient
10 Tips for Traveling During Chemotherapy
Fact checked by Sheeren Jegtvig
female receiving chemotherapy and smiling because she packed her chemo tote bag
Chemo Bag Essentials: What to Pack to be Prepared
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
woman writing list
Questions to Ask Before Starting Chemo
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Female with cancer wondering if her chemotherapy drugs will cause hair loss
The Chemotherapy Drugs That Cause Hair Loss
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Cup of tea with ginger root on grey wooden table
Can Ginger Reduce Nausea from Chemo?
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD