Side effects of chemotherapy can be daunting. Before commencing treatment, it’s normal to feel anxious about how your health and daily life will be affected. Not everybody experiences the same side effects. Even though the list of side effects seems never-ending, that doesn’t mean you’ll experience them all. You might get two, six or more from the list you’re given, but we only know for sure once we start the treatment. Chemotherapy affects people in different ways because every patient is unique and your body’s reaction depends on your current state of health or comorbidities. Therefore, consultations with your doctor…

Consulting with a palliative care team after receiving a diagnosis of cancer can provide you with the proper information and emotional and medical support needed to help you and your family navigate the often difficult journey ahead. Palliative care is an additional layer of support, and the team works alongside your doctor or oncologist to assist in providing the best possible care and support. Hearing that you have cancer can be terrifying. Seeing a palliative care provider when you receive your diagnosis will help you to manage this fear and anxiety and will help you get your life back under…

Radiotherapy is a treatment modality usually used to treat cancers. Occasionally non-cancerous conditions may also be treated. Radiotherapy is a high-energy, targeted X-ray treatment which kills tumour cells by damaging DNA. It’s usually delivered once a day on weekdays (Monday to Friday), excluding weekends and public holidays. The treatment, including set-up, takes about 15 minutes in most cases. Certain treatments may take longer. The overall treatment course may range from one day to several weeks, depending on each individual case. There are specially qualified staff, called radiotherapists, who work at radiotherapy units, and they position you every day and deliver…

Surgery may form part of your treatment plan; this decision will be made by your multi-disciplinary team. Remember your cancer journey is unique so just because someone else has the same cancer as you doesn’t mean your treatment plan will be exactly the same. They may have surgery and you may not. It’s also important to note that there are different surgical specialists for specific cancers who would perform the surgery. For example, a breast surgeon for breast cancer and a gynae-oncologist for gynaecological cancers, and so on. Always ask who will be performing your surgery. Another vital point to remember…

There are many different types of treatments for cancer. The choice of treatment depends on the cancer type as well as the stage of cancer. Type of treatment How it works How is it given Chemotherapy Targets cells at the different phases of growth into new cells. Because cancer cells form new cells quicker than normal cells, they are good targets for chemotherapy. Usually intravenously (via a drip) or via a port (device implanted under the skin into veins to deliver chemotherapy). Occasionally oral chemotherapy (tablets) can be used. Targeted therapy  Targets specific mutation/ abnormality identified in the cancer which causes cancer growth. Usually oral tablets, occasionally intravenously. Immunotherapy  Activates…