Five things you didn't know about chemotherapy

Cancer treatment, including chemotherapy, is often represented in media through images of young patients in hospital beds or proudly displaying their bald heads. However, what is less known is the individuality of each patient's treatment journey. As cancer treatment advances, particularly in personalized medicine, more types of chemotherapy, drugs, dosages, and strategies are considered. This requires patients to be proactive in understanding their treatment, enabling them to prepare and advocate for themselves effectively.

To clarify common misconceptions, here are five chemotherapy myths debunked:

Myth: You can't work while on chemo.
Fact: Many people continue working full-time while undergoing treatments like FOLFOX or FOLFIRI. Proper side effect management is key to maintaining normalcy.

Myth: Chemo always causes constant nausea, diarrhea, and fatigue.
Fact: Advances in managing side effects mean patients can remain active. Pre-medications and lifestyle choices play a significant role in this.

Myth: Chemo necessitates long hospital stays.
Fact: Chemotherapy can be administered in various ways, often on an outpatient basis, with some treatments possible at home.

Myth: Hair loss is inevitable.
Fact: Not all chemotherapy drugs cause hair loss, and for some, the effect may only be a thinning of hair.

Myth: Everyone gets the same chemo dosage.
Fact: Dosages are personalized. Determining the right amount can be challenging but is crucial for effectiveness.

Remember, each patient's experience and response to treatment can vary significantly.