Chemotherapy circulates through the whole body and targets rapidly dividing cells — including cancer cells. It is given in treatment cycles followed by rest, intravenously or in tablet form.
When chemotherapy is used
- Before surgery to shrink the tumour (neoadjuvant)
- After surgery to reduce recurrence (adjuvant)
- As the main treatment for advanced disease
Side effects vary by drug and person — fatigue, nausea, temporary hair loss and lowered blood counts are common. Modern medicine has solid tools for each: anti-nausea drugs, growth factors and supportive care. Hair grows back; strength returns; the finish line is real.