Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses cytotoxic drugs (anti - cancer) to destroy cancer cells.

If you are receiving chemotherapy treatment and are feeling unwell or have any unexpected problems that may be related to your chemotherapy - DO NOT DELAY - Call the nursing team immediately - (this link is to contact telephone numbers).

Cancerbackup have produced a video for patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy. It has been scientifically evaluated to reduce anxiety,and covers footage of patients actually having treatment, the more common side effects of treatment and ways to alleviate them as well as patients who have just finished treatment, describing their experiences.

The drugs are often given by injection or drip, and this is often administered as an outpatient visit. There are over 50 different drugs used, some are given on their own but often several drugs may be combined.

The type of chemotherapy treatment given depends on many things, and this will be discussed with the patient. It is based on the type of cancer, what the cells look like under a microscope, and whether there is any spread of the disease or concern that there might be.

Chemotherapy may affect fertility so before commencing a course of treatment it is important that patients ask their doctor if it is likely to do so.

The Sussex Cancer Network adheres to The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidance, and the procedures recommended by the Royal College of Physicians and the Royal College of Radiologists.