Chemotherapy treatment FAQs | What is Chemotherapy?| Icon Oncology Malaysia

What is chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy, also known as SACT (Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy) services, is the use of anti-cancer drugs to destroy cancer cells. Many different kinds of chemotherapy medicines and treatment plans are available. The kind of medicines given, and how often they are needed, will depend on the type of cancer you have, how it responds to treatment, and how your body responds and copes with treatment. At Icon, we will talk your through your treatment plan and why it’s the best possible approach for you.

How is chemotherapy delivered?

Chemotherapy is typically given as an outpatient at a day hospital like our Icon chemotherapy treatment centres. We believe that delivering cancer care, closer to home is an important part of delivering the best possible care for our patients.

Treatment may be given orally, through a needle inserted into the vein (known as a catheter), directly into the organ or tissues affected by the cancer, or as a cream. Chemotherapy is usually given in multiple courses (cycles) for a set amount of time, or for as long as the treatment is effective. Having the treatment in cycles allows time for the healthy cells in your body to recover between treatments.

Chemotherapy may be used on its own, or in combination with other types of treatment, such as before or after surgery or radiotherapy, or together with radiotherapy.

Visit Icon’s cancer information library for more on how chemotherapy works.

What are the side effects of chemotherapy?

While chemotherapy destroys cancer cells, it is the damage to healthy cells that causes many of the common side effects of chemotherapy.

Side effects vary depending on the type of chemotherapy drug used and the individual person.

Most are temporary and can be treated or managed.

Can hair loss be minimised?

For many cancer patients, hair loss is a deeply emotional side effect of treatment. Scalp cooling technology helps to minimise hair loss associated with chemotherapy treatment.

The scalp cooling system reduces the temperature of a patient’s scalp by a few degrees immediately before, during and after the administration of chemotherapy. The cooling effect reduces blood flow to hair follicles and can therefore minimise hair loss.

Frequently asked questions

Each person responds differently to chemotherapy, and this also applies to weight. Some people may lose weight, while others may gain weight. Your cancer may also affect your weight. If you have any concerns about your weight during treatment, please raise them with your doctor.
Some people receiving chemotherapy will lose their hair, depending on the type of drugs you receive. Your doctor or nurse will be able to tell you whether your particular treatment will cause hair loss.
Some vitamins and medicines can interfere with the effects of chemotherapy. Please provide your care team with a list of the medicines you are currently taking, including over-the-counter medicines. If you start taking any new medicines during your treatment please let them know.
It’s recommended you do some light exercise, such as walking, to help manage fatigue and improve well being. Studies have shown that exercising during your therapy is associated with an improved outcome.
Your ability to continue to work will depend on the nature of your work, your type of treatment and how well you feel during your treatment. Please discuss this with your doctor.
There may be certain activities you won’t be able to participate in during your treatment. This will depend on the treatment you are having, your diagnosis and your blood counts at the time. If you are unsure about whether you should take part in a particular activity, please speak with your doctor or nurse.
Chemotherapy can affect the production of blood cells in your body, including your white blood cells, which protect against infection. When your white blood cells are low, you are more at risk of developing a cold or infection. During this time, it’s important to avoid people who are unwell.