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Chemotherapy is an important way to treat cancer. It is a systemic treatment, which means that it can reach cells throughout most of the body through so that the bloodstream. It is often used for cancers that can spread from the original tumor. Chemotherapy is also used to treat primary cancers of the blood and lymph nodes. Because chemotherapy drugs are powerful, they can cause side effects that are distressing or possibly harmful to the body. Huge advances have been made in the prevention of many side effects, and most people who receive chemotherapy can now avoid some common side effects, like nausea and vomiting. Much progress has also been made in managing the side effects people do experience. Some side effects are 'acute' meaning they happen during the treatment such as nausea and vomiting while others may be longer term such as fatigue. Most side effects go away when the treatment is stopped. People receiving chemotherapy need to work closely with their doctor and nurse to make sure that side effects are prevented or controlled as well as possible. Research continues to find better ways to give the drugs and prevent or manage side effects. |
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Fatigue has taken center stage as an important problem in cancer care. Most people with cancer get fatigue, either acute (short lived) or chronic during their life. Most people think fatigue that is severe or lasts a long time means that they are sick. In fact, fatigue can be a symptom of cancer. In addition, it often is a side effect of the main cancer treatments: chemotherapy, radiation therapy, biotherapy. One research study showed that between 80-96% of patients receiving chemotherapy (anti-cancer drugs) feel fatigued (Ferrell et al, 1996). |
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