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Breast cancer chemotherapy treatment is the use of drugs to destroy any cancer cells that are left behind after surgery, or that have spread to other areas of the body. Chemotherapy is a systemic treatment meaning that it works throughout the body. This is important because breast cancer cells that have spread to other areas may not be visible to the eye. If these cells are not destroyed, they will continue to grow and spread. Chemotherapy is the systemic treatment that is used most often. Generally, breast cancer chemotherapy treatments begin after a lumpectomy or mastectomy surgery, but they are also used to shrink large tumors before they are surgically removed.
If chemotherapy is recommended as a treatment, it can be given in several different ways, depending on the drug. Most breast cancer chemotherapy treatments are given intravenously (into a vein) with a needle or a tiny tube called a catheter. Some drugs are given by shot, much like getting a flu shot, while others are in pill form and are given by mouth. Chemotherapy treatments can be given every day, once a week, once each month or in other intervals depending on the drug used and type of cancer. A patient can receive breast cancer chemotherapy treatments during a hospital stay, as an outpatient at a hospital, at a cancer treatment facility, a doctor's office, or at home. The number and length of treatments varies depending on the type of cancer, its stage and how well the patient responds to a given drug.
Chemotherapy drugs can be a life-saving treatment for breast cancer patients, but they do have a down side. While these drugs are very effective in destroying cancer cells, they may kill healthy cells, as well. Chemotherapy drugs work best on cells that divide rapidly, such as cancer cells. However, normal cells in the body that divide rapidly may also be destroyed by the drugs. Cells in the mouth, skin, hair, stomach and intestines may also be affected by breast cancer chemotherapy treatments. This is why patients may experience side effects such as hair loss, sores in the mouth and throat, dry skin, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea during treatment. In addition, bone marrow, which produces blood cells, is often affected by chemotherapy drugs. As a result, patients can become anemic, have difficulty fighting infections and have problems bleeding too much, even from a tiny cut.
Although, there are some very unpleasant side effects associated with breast cancer chemotherapy treatments, many of these can be lessened or even resolved with medications or alternative therapies such as acupuncture. Keep in mind that everyone’s course of treatment is different and each person has a different response to the drugs. It is wise not to compare treatments and side effects with others. Individual treatments are as unique as each individual. It is important to discuss any side effects with a doctor.
So, what is the future for breast cancer chemotherapy treatments? Currently, research is underway to better understand how cancer cells become resistant to chemotherapy drugs. Learning this can help in developing new methods to avoid resistance and increase the effectiveness of these drugs.
DISCLAIMER: The information and products on this website are in no way intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any cancer related illness, disease or condition whatsoever. Anyone looking for medical advice needs to contact a Licensed physician. Please read the disclaimer below for more information
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