
Chemotherapy Information
Your treatment depends on the type of cancer, its severity, where it is located and also your general health. This series of videos covers the practical aspects of chemotherapy, including what to expect, the different types of chemotherapy, how chemotherapy can be given and other treatments.
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COMBINATION, (NEO)ADJUVANT AND TARGETED THERAPIES
The narrator describes other forms of cancer treatment and when chemotherapy is...
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CHEMOTHERAPY AND STEM CELL TRANSPLANTATION
A description of the use high-dose chemotherapy together with stem cell...
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TREATMENT INTENT AND FREQUENCY & DURATION OF TREATMENT
A video covering the difference between curing the disease and controlling the disease. It also...
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TYPICAL DAY IN OUTPATIENT CLINIC
A description of what you may expect when receiving chemotherapy at an...
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TESTS WHEN YOU GO FOR CHEMOTHERAPY
A video describing the role of the different tests you may receive before and when you receive...
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TYPES OF CHEMOTHERAPY & ADMINISTRATION
A description of the different types of chemotherapy and how they are...
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INTRAVENOUS CHEMOTHERAPY
A description of the various ways intravenous chemotherapy can be delivered....
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Side Effects
There are many different side-effects of chemotherapy, and it is highly unlikely you will experience them all; however there are ways to help cope and manage them. Most chemotherapy side-effects are temporary and disappear once your treatment is over. The videos below describe the most common side-effects associated with chemotherapy and give advice on dealing with them.
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COMMON SIDE-EFFECTS
The presenter gives a brief introduction into some of the side-effects that you may...
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FATIGUE
A video describing how fatigue may affect you and how to manage this side-effect.
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INFECTIONS
A video describing one of the more (potentially) serious side-effects and when to contact...
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HAIR LOSS
The narrator discusses one of the most well-known side-effects of cancer treatment which...
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DIGESTIVE SYSTEM (DIARRHOEA, CONSTIPATION, MUCOSITIS, NAUSEA)
The presenter describes common side-effects of the digestive system, methods to manage them...
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Daily Life
Chemotherapy can sometimes impact your sex life and fertility. It can affect men and women differently. Treatment can also affect your everyday life, relationships and ability to work. The videos below outline a number of key topics.

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ADDITIONAL MEDICATIONS AND DRUG-DRUG INTERACTIONS
The video describes various additional medications (i.e. complementary and alternative therapies...
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SEXUAL FUNCTION & FERTILITY
A video describing how chemotherapy can affect your sexual function...
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YOUR DIET
A video providing some dietary advice whilst you are receiving treatment. This includes tips on...
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DEPRESSION
The presenter describes how depression can be a common condition in patients with cancer.
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COMMUNICATIONS WITH YOUR DOCTOR & EMERGENCY CONTACTS
The narrator discusses how you can get the most out of your visits to your doctor and treatment...
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FAQ's
How long is a typical treatment session?
What kind of chemotherapy will I receive? Am I likely to need a drip?
Chemotherapy drugs can be given in many different ways, and the method in which you receive chemotherapy is dependent on the drug used to treat the type of cancer you have, potential side effects of treatment and is also dependent on what stage your cancer is. The most common methods for receiving chemotherapy are intravenous injections and oral medication but can also be given by subcutaneous, intrathecal, or intracaviraty injections and topical ointments.
Depending on your particular treatment, intravenous chemotherapy can be given through different pieces of equipment such as a cannula or PICC line which are usually connected to a drip or a pump.
Why do I need have blood tests before I start treatment?
I am feeling very tired after my treatment, is there anything that can done to help cope with this?
Brief periods of exercise can help build energy levels, for example small sessions of yoga have been shown to be beneficial. Other suggestions include simply walking the dog and going for leisurely strolls. Only do as much exercise as you want to do or can manage comfortably. Quite often the best thing to do is simply rest. Ask about available physiotherapist programmes and exercise groups for you to take part in.
What should I do if I think I may an infection whilst on my treatment?
Will my treatment cause hair loss?
Chemotherapy does not always cause hair loss. Some drugs cause only slight thinning of the hair and others do not cause hair loss at all. Your treatment team will make you aware of all possible side affects you may experience as a result of your treatment.
Will my treatment make me feel sick?
Feeling sick from chemotherapy is another common side-effect, however not all chemotherapy drugs will make you feel that way. It is likely that if you feel sick after the first administration of your chemotherapy drug, you will feel that way after subsequent administrations. Your doctor will be able to prescribe additional medications to manage any nausea and/or vomiting.
I am worried about my diarrhoea, when should I contact my doctor?
Diarrhoea can be a common-side effect of treatment; you must contact your doctor if you are also suffering from a fever or if your diarrhoea cannot be controlled with anti-diarrhoeals within 48 hours and also if you are having more than 6 episodes a day.
I am having difficulty swallowing, what should I do?
You must contact the emergency number as soon as possible if you are unable to drink liquids. You may be prescribed strong painkillers if you are having difficulty eating and drinking. Maintaining good oral hygiene whilst you are receiving chemotherapy can help deal with sore mouth, your dentist may also be able to provide some additional advice.
If I receive targeted therapy am I still likely to experience side effects?
You may experience some side-effects with targeted therapy but they are usually mild, although this is not always the case, and can go away once the body is used to the drug. The most common side-effects are allergic reactions such as rashes
Am I allowed to take other medications?
You need to tell your doctor about any existing drugs you are taking or plan to take so they are aware of any potential interactions and can advise accordingly. These include medications for other diseases such as diabetes and various heart conditions but also over-the-counter vitamin, herbal or food supplements.
Do I need to alter my diet whilst receiving my anti-cancer treatment?
Glossary
Adjuvant
(therapy) is given in addition to the primary or initial therapy to maximise its effectiveness
Allogeneic
(transplant) uses stem cells from a donor
Alternative treatment
where alternative therapies (e.g. cannabis oil) are used instead of conventional treatments
Anaemia
is a condition that develops when your blood does not contain enough haemoglobin or healthy red blood cells
Autologous
(transplant) uses stem cells collected from the same individual
Biological therapy
involves the use of living organisms, substances derived from living organisms, or laboratory-produced versions of such substances to treat disease
Cannula
a thin hollow tube inserted into a vein or body cavity to administer medication, drain off fluid, or insert a surgical instrument
Central line
a long, thin hollow tube which is inserted into a vein in your chest
Chemotherapy
use of cytotoxic drugs to treat disease
Clinical trial
a research study with human patients or volunteers
Complementary treatment
treatments that are used alongside conventional treatment to help you feel better (e.g. yoga)
Cytotoxic
toxic to living cells
Drip
a device for administering a fluid drop-by-drop into a vein via an intravenous route
Endocrine therapy
[please see hormone therapy]
Haematological
related to blood
Haemoglobin
oxygen-carrying component of red blood cells
Hormone therapy
the use of hormones in medical treatment
Immunotherapy
treatment that boosts the body’s immune system to fight disease
Infusion pump
a medical device that delivers fluids, such as nutrients and medications, into a patient’s body in controlled amounts via a cannula or central line
Intracavitary
within a body cavity
Intramuscular
situated within a muscle
Intrathecal
In the fluid around the spine and brain
Intravenous
within the vein or veins
Neoadjuvant
(therapy) is the administration of therapeutic agents before a main treatment e.g. drug treatment before surgery
PICC
Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter - is an intravenous device that can be used for a prolonged period of time
Platelets
a blood component involved in clotting
Progressive disease
where a disease continues to worsen, grow or spread
Radiotherapy
treatment of disease using radiation e.g. X-rays
Rest period
the period of time between chemotherapy treatment sessions, to allow your body to recover
Stem cells
are cells of the body (somatic cells) which can divide and become differentiated
Subcutaneous
situated or applied under the skin
Topical
applied directly to a part of the body
Treatment cycle
a course of treatment that is repeated on a regular schedule with periods of rest in between. For example, treatment given for one week followed by three weeks of rest is one treatment cycle