Does Chemotherapy Cure Cancer?
Recovery from cancer is not a cakewalk. The first thing that strikes our mind when it comes to cancer is chemotherapy. It’s a treatment used to kill cancer cells through intravenous administration of the drugs.
These drugs are designed to destroy the rapidly multiplying cells, thus inhibiting cancer growth. While chemotherapy treatment in Navi Mumbai is quite effective in treating cancer, the procedure comes with many side effects. Besides, there’s no guarantee it will cure cancer and prevent relapse.
How Chemotherapy Works
Depending on the type and stage of cancer, chemotherapy can be used as a standalone procedure or in conjunction with radiation therapy and surgery. It can shrink the tumor and destroy cancer cells. Most chemotherapy drugs are given intravenously, but your doctor might recommend a topical application, a single injection shot, or pills.
An oncologist in Navi Mumbai will tell you the number of chemotherapy sessions you need to undergo to kill cancer. Then, based on how your body responds to the treatment, your doctor will either stick to the plan or advise additional treatment, such as surgical removal of the tumor, radiation therapy, or hormone therapy, for the best outcome.
Effectiveness of Chemotherapy
The effectiveness of chemotherapy can vary for each patient. It depends on the type of cancer, the patient’s overall health, the size of the tumor, and how far it’s spread. However, studies show that those exposed to chemotherapy have a better survival rate than those who never undergo chemo. The sooner you report your symptoms and get an accurate diagnosis, the higher your survival rates.
Note that cancer can return even after you are declared cancer-free. Some types of cancer have a chance of relapse, requiring more rounds of chemotherapy. Your oncologist will schedule regular follow-up visits to ensure the cancer has not returned.
Limitations of Chemotherapy
The chemo session isn’t always painful, especially not for those taking it through pills and topical. Intravenous chemo and injections can hurt a little, but it’s nothing more than a slight burning sensation.
Chemotherapy is used to destroy the rapidly growing cells in your body. That’s how it helps kill cancer fast. However, cancer cells are not the only cells that multiply quickly. The cells in your skin, hair follicles, digestive tracts, and other parts of the body also grow fast.
Cancer treatment can also destroy these healthy cells, leading to side effects such as hair loss, fatigue, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and infection. The good news is that the side effects of chemotherapy last for a short while, usually until your treatment stops. Some side effects are, however, permanent. They include infertility, heart problems, and early menopause.
Conclusion
Chemotherapy is an effective way to kill cancer, but the treatment comes with side effects and is usually advised with surgery and other procedures. Ask your oncologist about the success rate of chemotherapy and the side effects. Fortunately, some types of cancer disappear completely following the chemotherapy and don’t require additional treatment. But there’s always a chance of a relapse.
How Chemotherapy Is Done?
Introduction to Chemotherapy
The journey through cancer treatment often involves various therapeutic approaches, and one of the most well-known is chemotherapy. This widely recognized treatment plays a crucial role in combating cancer cells, and understanding how chemotherapy is administered can empower individuals facing cancer. In Navi Mumbai, centers like Mangal Prabhu Hospital offer comprehensive care under the expertise of skilled Oncologists in Navi Mumbai.
What is Chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy, often referred to as “chemo,” is a medical treatment that employs powerful drugs to target and destroy rapidly dividing cells. While cancer cells are the primary target, chemotherapy can also affect healthy cells that divide quickly, such as bone marrow, digestive tract, and hair follicles.
What is the Purpose of Chemotherapy?
The primary goal of chemotherapy is to eliminate or control the growth of cancer cells. It can be used at different stages of cancer treatment:
a) Before Surgery:
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy aims to shrink tumors before surgery, making them more manageable to remove.
b) After Surgery:
Adjuvant chemotherapy is administered after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence.
c) Primary Treatment:
In cases where surgery or radiation therapy may not be viable, chemotherapy is the immediate treatment.
d) For Palliative Care:
In advanced stages, chemotherapy can alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life.
How Chemotherapy is Done?
The process of chemotherapy involves several key steps:
A) Consultation and Planning:
Patients undergo a thorough consultation with an oncologist before initiating chemotherapy. A personalized treatment plan is developed based on cancer type, stage, overall health, and medical history.
B) Drug Administration:
Chemotherapy drugs can be administered in various ways, including intravenously (IV), orally (in the form of pills or liquids), or through injections. The chosen method depends on the specific drugs and the patient’s condition.
C) Treatment Cycles:
Chemotherapy is often administered in cycles, each consisting of a treatment period followed by a rest period. This approach helps minimize damage to healthy cells and allows the body to recover.
D) Outpatient or Inpatient:
Depending on the intensity and duration of treatment, chemotherapy sessions may be conducted on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to return home afterward or in an inpatient setting for more extensive regimens.
What are the Side Effects of Chemotherapy?
While chemotherapy is a powerful tool against cancer, it can also lead to side effects due to its impact on average, rapidly dividing cells. Common side effects may include:
- Fatigue
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Hair Loss
- Bone Marrow Suppression
- Gastrointestinal Issues
- Mouth Sores
- Neuropathy
Conclusion
Chemotherapy is a dynamic and evolving aspect of cancer treatment, representing a cornerstone in the fight against this formidable disease. In Navi Mumbai, facilities like Mangal Prabhu Hospital, with dedicated oncologists, play a vital role in providing comprehensive Chemotherapy Treatment in Navi Mumbai. While the process can be challenging, understanding the purpose, procedure, and potential side effects empowers individuals on their cancer journey. With ongoing advancements in medical science, chemotherapy significantly improves outcomes and enhances the quality of life for those undergoing cancer treatment.