What Is Chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy (or “chemo”) is the treatment of (typically) cancerous cells with special chemicals that are injected into your child. These chemicals kill the cells.

Our body cells are programmed from the moment of conception to behave in a predictable manner. They grow by dividing themselves according to unwritten rules, but in a consistent pattern and a defined boundary. Some cells are meant to grow and die after they have done their work. They might be replaced or not.

Cancer is caused by the uncontrolled growth of cells in a malignant manner. These cells spread by invading body tissue and by spreading to neighbouring or distant parts of the body. Therefore, it is important to tackle cancer when it is first detected.

Chemotherapic drugs work by slowing down or impeding cell division. This is a destructive action, as it involves making cells die as if in a programmed manner. This shotgun-like approach also affects healthy cells that are dividing, such as hair and the lining of the intestines. This is why your child’s hair will fall out during treatment.

Not all cancerous cells grow rapidly, so chemotherapy is not as effective with such cancers. When the cancer has just presented itself, the cells are growing in a predictable manner and are best positioned to be treated with chemo. If the cancer is detected at a later stage, the unpredictable manner of growth makes it harder to treat.

Once the cell division stops, the tumour cannot be treated with chemo, so other invasive solutions, such as surgical removal or radiation therapy are required.

What to Expect

Your child faces some of the following challenges once the chemo regimen begins:

• Hair and memory loss
• Pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhoea or constipation
• Anaemic pallor
• Malnutrition
• Weaker immune system

For More Information

Please consult qualified medical professionals before making any decision about your child’s treatment.