Chemotherapy is a form of drug therapy which uses chemical substances to kill fast growing cells in the body. As carcinogenesis involves rapidly growing cells, chemotherapy is used as cancer treatment with one or more combinations of anticancer drugs given as standardised regimen.

In carcinoma breast primary modality of treatment is surgery. Chemotherapy is used as an adjunct modality in the form of neoadjuvant (before surgery) or adjutant (after surgery) therapy. 

Advantages of chemotherapy: 

It helps in systemic clearance of the cancer cells and micro metastasis. When used as a neoadjuvant therapy it helps in decreasing tumour burden and reduction in stage of the disease. It gives an opportunity for the patient to undergo breast conservative surgery.

Side effect of chemotherapy: 

As the drugs used in chemotherapy are strong chemicals, they have numerous toxic effects.

GI toxicity like vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration, constipation. Appetite change, alopecia (hair loss), fatigue, infections, skin rashes, easy bruising, bone marrow suppression, megaloblastic anaemia, mouth sores, nephritis, cystitis, cardiac toxicity, psychological effects like anxiety, depression etc.

Management of side effects

Diet Management:

Intake of plenty of fluids, small frequent meals, avoiding caffeine, reduced intake of fatty foods. Vitamins and trace elements supplements have to be continued. 

Exercise is tolerated to maintain optimal level of function.

Hair loss is one of the most distressing side effects of chemotherapy. Coping up with it mainly depends on the patient’s acceptance. Cutting the hair short before the start of the treatment, use of scarfs, caps and wigs can be advised.

Adequate psychological counselling of the patient, family support, maintaining a positive environment for the patient during the course helps to build up the morale of the patient.

Regular check-ups with investigations and follow up with the doctors has to be done to prevent any serious adverse effects and recurrence of the disease