What is [Cancer Chemotherapy]? What are the side effects? Learn about the chemotherapy process and precautions.

Cancer is not a dead end. With the continuous advancement of medical technology, many treatment methods can help cancer patients overcome the disease, and "chemotherapy" is one of the common approaches. What exactly is chemotherapy? How is it administered? What are the side effects? And what precautions should be taken? In the following article, 10Life will introduce chemotherapy, enhance understanding of the treatment, and boost confidence in fighting cancer.

Chemotherapy, often abbreviated as chemo, is a treatment method that uses chemotherapeutic drugs to suppress and destroy cancer cells. It targets rapidly dividing cells, disrupting the growth and spread of cancer cells. Chemotherapy can be used alone or in combination with other treatment methods such as surgery or radiotherapy.

Cancer cells result from genetic mutations, where certain cells in the body grow uncontrollably and continue to divide and multiply, accumulating over time. Chemotherapy drugs can interfere with the division process of cancer cells, effectively inhibiting their growth and even completely destroying them. However, chemotherapy drugs cannot fully distinguish between cancer cells and normal cells. As a result, during treatment, they may also affect normal cells that divide rapidly, such as hair follicle cells, gastrointestinal mucosal cells, and hematopoietic cells in the bone marrow, leading to various side effects.

Common methods of chemotherapy include:

• Oral administration (such as pills, capsules, or liquid medications)
• Intravenous injection or infusion via drip/drug pump into the bloodstream
• Subcutaneous injection
• Regional chemotherapy (delivering chemotherapy drugs directly to the tumour site or nearby tissues to minimise impact on other parts of the body)

Currently, there are over 100 different chemotherapy drugs, primarily categorised into seven main types. Each type of drug works differently, targeting cancer cells at various stages of division and growth. Doctors will make adjustments based on the type of cancer and the patient's condition.

Chemotherapy is commonly used to treat the following cancers:

• Leukaemia
• Lymphoma (including Hodgkin's disease and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma)
• Multiple myeloma
• Lung cancer
• Breast cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Colorectal cancer / Gastrointestinal cancer

Different cancers respond differently to chemotherapy drugs, so treatment plans will vary from person to person.

In Hong Kong, the chemotherapy process is primarily divided into three main stages, though it may be personalised according to the patient’s condition:

• Before Treatment: The doctor will meet with the patient to explain the purpose of chemotherapy, potential side effects, and precautions. Blood, urine, and heart examinations will be arranged to ensure the patient’s body is suitable for chemotherapy.
• During Treatment: If deemed suitable for chemotherapy, the patient will need to sign a consent form. The doctor will prescribe the medication dosage based on the patient’s weight and condition. On the day of treatment, most chemotherapy sessions can be completed at a day clinic, administered via intravenous injection or orally, with vital signs such as blood pressure and pulse monitored throughout the process.
• After Treatment: The patient can rest at home, receive side effect management, and attend regular follow-up appointments. Depending on the type of cancer, the doctor may also arrange pre-operative or post-operative chemotherapy to shrink the tumour or prevent recurrence.
   

Fatigue

Fatigue is one of the most common side effects, with patients experiencing persistent tiredness, difficulty concentrating, low mood, and even exhaustion that persists after completing treatment. It is recommended that patients rest more, maintain a balanced diet, and drink plenty of water. Additionally, light exercise such as walking can help improve mental well-being.

Nausea and Vomiting

Nausea or vomiting often accompanies chemotherapy, typically occurring within a few hours after treatment and possibly lasting for several days. Patients may take anti-nausea medication as prescribed by their doctor. In terms of diet, it is advisable to eat small, frequent meals, avoid greasy or spicy foods, eat slowly and chew thoroughly, and opt for bland, easily digestible foods such as porridge, crackers, and soups. Avoiding strong odours like kitchen fumes or perfumes can also help reduce discomfort.

Constipation and Diarrhoea

Some chemotherapy drugs can affect bowel function, leading to constipation or diarrhoea. For constipation, it is recommended to consume high-fibre foods, drink plenty of water, and engage in light exercise. In cases of diarrhoea, avoid spicy, greasy, or undercooked foods. If symptoms are severe, seek medical attention immediately.

Mouth Ulcers

Certain chemotherapy drugs can irritate the oral mucosa, causing ulcers, pain, or difficulty swallowing. It is advised to use a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush teeth morning and evening, and to use warm saline solution or prescribed mouthwash to keep the mouth clean and moist. Avoid foods that are too hot, salty, or spicy, drink plenty of water or soup, and chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva production and reduce dry mouth.

Hair Loss

Not all chemotherapy drugs cause hair loss, but some patients may experience it within 2 to 3 weeks of starting treatment, affecting scalp hair and other body hair. Hair loss is usually temporary, and new hair often grows back within a few months after treatment ends. It is recommended to use a gentle shampoo, avoid hair dryers, dyeing, or perming that can irritate the scalp, and consider wearing hats, wigs, or headscarves for warmth and coverage.

Skin Itching and Dryness

Chemotherapy may cause the skin to become dry, flaky, or sensitive to sunlight, and some patients may experience itching or skin discolouration. It is advisable to wear soft fabrics to reduce friction and apply moisturising products recommended by a doctor to dry areas. If redness or pain occurs at injection sites, contact healthcare professionals immediately.

Nerve and Muscle Numbness

Some chemotherapy drugs may affect nerves, leading to tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness in the hands and feet. If these symptoms occur, inform your doctor immediately. Healthcare professionals can adjust the type or dosage of medication, often alleviating the symptoms effectively.

Hearing Changes

Certain chemotherapy drugs may impact hearing, resulting in difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds or experiencing tinnitus. If such issues are noticed, inform your doctor as soon as possible for further evaluation to prevent worsening of the condition.

Blood Changes

Chemotherapy may suppress bone marrow function, leading to a decrease in white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets. Low white blood cell counts increase the risk of infection, low red blood cell counts can cause anaemia, and low platelet counts may lead to excessive bleeding. Patients need regular blood tests to monitor blood cell levels. If symptoms such as fever, mouth ulcers, severe fatigue, or bleeding occur, seek medical attention immediately.

Reduced Fertility

Chemotherapy may affect reproductive functions in both men and women. Women may experience irregular periods or early menopause, while men may have reduced sperm counts. Patients should discuss options for egg or sperm preservation with their doctor before treatment and take appropriate contraceptive measures during chemotherapy to avoid affecting a foetus. Condoms should also be used during intercourse within 48 hours after chemotherapy.
 

• Consume more high-protein foods to aid in cell repair
• Eat small, frequent meals and drink plenty of water
• Ensure food is thoroughly cooked, avoiding raw or partially cooked items
• Limit fried or high-temperature cooked foods, as well as spicy, acidic, or overly hot or cold foods
• Avoid high-risk foods such as sashimi, salads, hot pot, and buffets
• Choose light and easily digestible foods
• Peel fruits before consumption
• Avoid using wooden chopsticks to reduce the risk of bacterial infection
• Avoid taking Chinese medicine, as some ingredients may interfere with chemotherapy effectiveness
• Consider nutritional supplements to boost energy levels
   

The cost of cancer treatment is exorbitant, and if cancer unfortunately recurs or spreads, the subsequent costs of tests and treatments are often unpredictable. A suitable critical illness insurance plan can provide financial support to patients, alleviating the burden of medical expenses. As the coverage and features of critical illness products in the market vary, it is important to carefully compare product features based on personal needs and budget, and consider whether they significantly impact the premium. If you would like to learn more about critical illness insurance or have questions about policy details, feel free to consult with a licensed insurance advisor from 10Life to receive professional advice and prepare for the future.

How Long Does Chemotherapy Take?

The duration and number of chemotherapy sessions vary depending on the type of cancer, the severity of the condition, the treatment goals, and the patient’s tolerance to the medication. Generally, chemotherapy is administered in 4 to 6 cycles, with each cycle spaced approximately 3 to 4 weeks apart to allow the body time to rest and recover.

Is Chemotherapy Medication Expensive?

The cost of chemotherapy varies depending on the type of medication used and the complexity of the treatment. For instance, at St. Paul’s Hospital, the charges for day ward chemotherapy care range from approximately HKD 1,840 for mild treatment to around HKD 3,250 for extensive treatment per session, excluding doctor’s fees and medication costs. Currently, many organisations offer various forms of cancer drug subsidy programmes. If eligibility criteria are met, some medication costs may be waived or partially subsidised.

Can Chinese Medicine Be Taken During Chemotherapy?

Many cancer patients believe that combining Western and Chinese medicine can accelerate recovery, but it is not advisable to take Chinese medicine on your own during chemotherapy. Certain components of Chinese medicine may affect liver function or interact with chemotherapy drugs, potentially reducing their effectiveness or increasing side effects. If you need to take Chinese medicine, you should first consult your primary doctor or oncologist for professional advice.

Further Reading:
What is Targeted Therapy? How Does It Help Treat Cancer? Understanding Its Principles, Types, and Effects
Is Cancer Recurrence a Dead End? New Technologies Can Predict Cancer Recurrence Early
How Much Critical Illness Coverage Is Enough? A Guide to Understanding Critical Illness and Determining Coverage Amounts
【MRI Price Comparison 2025】A Comprehensive Guide to MRI Scan Costs and Contrast Agent Side Effects
 

References:
1.    Hong Kong Cancer Fund. Understanding Cancer: Chemotherapy
2.    Medline Plus. Types of Chemotherapy 
3.    Hong Kong Cancer Fund. Side Effects of Chemotherapy
4.    Hong Kong Anti-Cancer Society. How to Alleviate and Manage Chemotherapy Side Effects
5.    St. Teresa’s Hospital Oncology Centre. Chemotherapy Injection

Last updated: 9 May 2025
 

This English version of this article has been generated by machine translation powered by AI. It is provided solely for reference purposes. In the event of any discrepancy or inconsistency between this translation and the original Chinese version, the Chinese version shall prevail.