Treating breast cancer with chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the use of anti-cancer (cytotoxic) drugs to destroy cancer cells.

Chemotherapy drugs are given by injection into a vein (intravenously) or as tablets.

Chemotherapy into the vein is given as a session of treatment, usually over a few hours. This is followed by a rest period of a few weeks, which allows your body to recover from any side effects of the treatment.

There are many different chemotherapy drugs, and combinations of drugs, used to treat breast cancer. You may be offered a choice of chemotherapy treatments, as the different combinations have different side effects.

Research is always being carried out to improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy whilst reducing the side effects, and you may be asked to take part in research trials comparing different types of chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy is usually given to you as an outpatient. A complete course of chemotherapy is likely to take 4–6 months.

 

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