Understanding Chemotherapy

This booklet has been prepared to help you understand more about chemotherapy, one of the main treatments for cancer. Chemotherapy uses a range of drugs to kill cancer cells or slow their growth.

We cannot give advice about the best treatment for you. You need to discuss this with your doctors. However, this information may answer some of your questions and help you think about what to ask your treatment team. It may also be helpful to read the Cancer Council booklet about the type of cancer you have.

Many people feel concerned about the side effects of chemotherapy, but most side effects are temporary. We have included information about ways to manage the most common side effects.

This booklet does not need to be read from cover to cover - just read the parts that are useful to you. You may also like to pass this booklet to your family and friends for their information.