Chemotherapy: What It Is, How It Works, and What You Need to Know

When you hear chemotherapy, a treatment that uses powerful drugs to destroy cancer cells. Also known as chemo, it’s one of the most common ways doctors fight cancer — but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Unlike surgery or radiation, which target specific areas, chemotherapy travels through your bloodstream to reach cancer cells almost anywhere in the body. That’s why it’s used for cancers that have spread, or when doctors want to shrink tumors before surgery.

But chemotherapy isn’t just one drug — it’s a whole family of them. Drugs like doxorubicin, a powerful antibiotic-based chemo used for breast and lung cancer, or paclitaxel, a plant-derived drug that stops cancer cells from dividing, work in different ways. Some attack DNA, others block cell division, and some stop tumors from building blood vessels. The choice depends on the cancer type, stage, and even your genetics. And while chemo is often linked to nausea or hair loss, not everyone gets those side effects — and newer combinations are making treatment more tolerable.

Chemotherapy doesn’t work alone. It’s often paired with immunotherapy, a treatment that helps your immune system recognize and attack cancer cells, or used before or after surgery. Some people get chemo for years to keep cancer in check, while others get it in short bursts. The goal isn’t always to cure — sometimes it’s to slow the disease, reduce pain, or give you more time with loved ones.

What you won’t find in every chemo story is the quiet work behind the scenes: how pharmacists check for drug interactions, how nurses manage side effects, or how patients track symptoms with apps and journals. That’s why the posts below cover real-life details — from how to handle fatigue during treatment, to understanding why some chemo drugs cost thousands while others are generic and affordable. You’ll find comparisons of common drugs, tips for managing side effects, and insights into how treatment plans are built. No fluff. Just what you need to know when you’re facing cancer treatment — whether for yourself or someone you care about.