Overcoming Cancer with Chemotherapy Medical Therapy

Chemotherapy is one of the main methods of treating cancer. This procedure involves the use of chemical drugs in the form of cytostatics to stop or slow down the growth of abnormal cancer cells. Although chemotherapy often has unwanted side effects, it is still the first choice in many cases of cancer. This time we will discuss in detail about chemotherapy, including how it works, the types of chemotherapy, and the side effects that may occur.

How Chemotherapy Works

The basic principle of chemotherapy is to use anti-cancer drugs to destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapy drugs can work by several different mechanisms, including:

1. Inhibiting cell growth, some chemotherapy drugs work by stopping cancer cells from dividing and growing. This mechanism involves interfering with the cancer cell's DNA or inhibiting enzymes needed for DNA replication.
2. Damaging DNA Certain chemotherapy drugs can cause damage to the DNA of cancer cells, which stops growth and causes cell death.
3. Inhibiting angiogenesis, some types of cancer require an adequate blood supply to survive and develop. Chemotherapy can block the formation of new blood vessels around the tumor, thereby preventing the blood supply it needs and slowing the growth of the cancer. 

Types of Chemotherapy

There are several types of chemotherapy used in cancer treatment, and the type chosen depends on the type of cancer, the stage of the disease, and the patient's health condition. Here are some common forms of chemotherapy:

1. Adjuvant chemotherapy, used after surgical removal of the tumor. The goal is to kill any remaining cancer cells and prevent the cancer from returning.
2. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy, given before surgery to shrink the tumor to make it easier to remove. It can also help control the spread of cancer before surgery is performed.

Chemotherapy Side Effects

Chemotherapy can have significant side effects because the drugs used affect healthy cells as well. Some of the common side effects that may occur during or after chemotherapy include:

1. Loss of hair (alopecia),one of the most well-known side effects of chemotherapy is temporary baldness. This is caused by damage to the active hair follicles.
2. Nausea and vomiting,chemotherapy drugs can stimulate the vomiting center in the brain, causing nausea and vomiting. However, there are anti-nausea medications that can help reduce this side effect.
3. Decreased blood cells, chemotherapy can reduce the production of blood cells, including red blood cells (anemia), white blood cells (leukopenia), and platelets (thrombocytopenia). This can increase the risk of infection, easy bruising, or bleeding.
4. Fatigue, many patients experience excessive fatigue during and after chemotherapy. This could be due to the effect of chemotherapy drugs on the immune system and overall energy levels.
5. Indigestion, chemotherapy can cause diarrhea, constipation, or other digestive upset. In some cases, patients may also experience mucocysts, which are inflammation and sores in the mouth.

Chemotherapy remains the mainstay of choice in cancer treatment and has produced significant results in the fight against this deadly disease. Although chemotherapy can have unwanted side effects, recent developments in this field bring hope for more effective therapies and greater individualization. If any of Hermina's friends need chemotherapy treatment, Hermina Purwokerto Hospital provides chemotherapy services.

To make it easier to access services & registration at Hermina Purwokerto Hospital, here's how:

1. Download the mobile application on Playstore (Type Halo Hermina)
2. Contact Call Center 1500488
3. Through the website -> http://www.herminahospitals.com
4. Through the Halodoc application