Chemotherapy continues to be one of the most effective ways to treat many types of cancers. The treatment uses a combination of drugs to prevent cancer cells from growing and can improve a patient’s odds of going into remission. Although chemo has been around for several decades, there are still many misconceptions about it.

Debunking Myths About Chemotherapy

1. It Always Leads to Nausea & Vomiting

Many people assume that intense nausea and vomiting follow chemotherapy. That used to be true many years ago, however, chemo drugs have come a long way since then. In fact, many newer drugs are intended to prevent nausea and vomiting. Patients who do feel sick after the treatment usually only experience it for a short time.

2. You’ll Have to Stay in Bed All Day

While you might not have the same energy levels you once had, it doesn’t mean you will be stuck in bed all the time. Engaging in light exercises, like walking and swimming, can help you fight fatigue and boost your mood.

3. You’ll Lose All Your Hair

Hair loss is a common fear of many patients about to undergo chemotherapy treatments. The truth is that not all chemo drugs cause a person’s hair to fall out. There have been new medications created in recent years that recognize cancer cells better, minimizing the risk of hair loss.

4. You’ll Lose Weight

Another common misconception about chemo is that it leads to rapid weight loss. While some people do lose weight from severe nausea, it isn’t the case for everyone. If a doctor prescribes a patient steroids to make the side effects of chemo more tolerable, that person may end up putting on weight.

With so many myths flying around about chemotherapy, it’s important to be properly educated about the treatment by a trusted oncologist. Tennessee Plateau Oncology - Dirk Davidson MD, in Crossville, TN, has been providing cutting-edge cancer therapies for over 20 years and treats every patient with the utmost compassion. They have helped people with a variety of cancers and will be there for you every step of the way. For more information, call (931) 484-7596 or visit their website.