Understanding your chemotherapy treatment can help you prepare and reduce any anxiety you may be feeling and concerns you may have. We encourage you to speak to your doctor for advice tailored to your cancer and treatment plan.

Chemotherapy (commonly referred to as chemo) is a form of systemic anti‑cancer treatment. By using specific anti‑cancer drugs, the medication travels throughout the body via the bloodstream, actively targeting and destroying rapidly dividing cancer cells, with the aim of controlling the disease, shrinking tumours, or eliminating potential microscopic metastases in the body.

Chemotherapy is not a single treatment approach. Oncologists will tailor treatment plans according to cancer stage and treatment goals, including:

• Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy:
  Given before surgery, with the aim of shrinking the tumour and increasing the success rate of surgical removal, and in some cases preserving organ function (e.g. breast‑conserving surgery).
• Adjuvant Chemotherapy:
  Given after tumour removal surgery, with the goal of eliminating any remaining microscopic cancer cells in the body and significantly reducing the risk of recurrence.
• Palliative Chemotherapy:
  Used in advanced cancer, aiming to slow tumour growth, control symptoms, relieve pain, and maintain the patient’s quality of life as much as possible.

There are many types of chemotherapy drugs, and they can be administered in different ways, including:

• Oral chemotherapy — taken in tablet or liquid form
• Intravenous chemotherapy — delivered slowly into a vein through a needle
• Injection chemotherapy — injected directly into the area affected by cancer

To allow healthy cells sufficient time to recover, chemotherapy is usually given in cycles (for example, one cycle every 2 to 3 weeks).

Our medical team will discuss the treatment plan with you, formulate the appropriate medication schedule, and explain why this approach is most suitable for your condition, so that you can feel confident and be well prepared before starting treatment.

Adequate preparation can greatly reduce anxiety about the unknown. Before starting your first chemotherapy session, our nursing team recommends the following preparations:

• Dental check‑up: During chemotherapy, immunity and oral mucosa may become more fragile. It is recommended to complete dental cleaning or treatment for tooth decay before starting therapy to prevent infection during treatment.
• Prepare a “chemotherapy kit”: On the treatment day, wear loose and comfortable clothing (if injections are needed in the arm or a port is inserted, the area should be easily accessible). Bring commonly used oral hygiene products, moisturiser (for skin care), and mild shampoo.
• Consult on fertility planning: If you are of reproductive age and have plans for future fertility, you should discuss options such as egg preservation with your doctor before starting chemotherapy.
• Rest and moderate exercise: Maintain sufficient sleep and engage in moderate exercise to help reduce fatigue after chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy drugs may temporarily affect other fast‑growing normal cells while targeting cancer cells. The following side effects and care guidance may help you undergo treatment more smoothly.

Part 1: Common Expected Reactions

Depending on the type of drugs used, patients may experience the following temporary reactions:

• Gastrointestinal discomfort: The most common reactions include nausea, vomiting or loss of appetite, usually occurring within a few hours after infusion.
• Bone marrow suppression: Chemotherapy may temporarily suppress bone marrow function, leading to low white blood cell counts (reduced immunity) or reduced red blood cells (causing fatigue).
• Oral and mucosal changes: Some patients may experience dry mouth or develop sores (commonly known as mouth ulcers).
• Changes in appearance: Certain chemotherapy drugs may damage hair follicle cells, resulting in varying degrees of hair loss.

Part 2: Care Recommendations for Chemotherapy Side Effects

To address these reactions, OncoCare adopts both medical intervention and home care strategies to reduce discomfort:

Managing Gastrointestinal Discomfort

• Medical intervention: Clinical oncologists will prescribe long‑acting and effective anti‑nausea medications in advance to reduce nausea.
• Home care: Adopt a “small and frequent meals” approach. Avoid greasy or strong‑smelling foods. Ginger tea or ginger‑based drinks may help relieve stomach discomfort.

Managing Bone Marrow Suppression

• Medical intervention: The team will closely monitor blood test results. If necessary, white blood cell growth factors may be administered to boost immunity.
• Home care: Spread daily activities throughout the day. Allow short naps when feeling tired. Light walking may help relieve fatigue and promote circulation.

Oral Mucosal Care

• Medical intervention: Doctors may prescribe medicated mouthwash containing analgesic or anti‑inflammatory components to protect mucosa and prevent infection.
• Home care: Use a soft‑bristled toothbrush. Eat soft foods at room temperature or slightly cool (e.g. pudding, tofu). Avoid spicy, acidic or rough foods to prevent irritation.

Support for Appearance Changes

• Medical intervention: Not all chemotherapy drugs cause hair loss. If your regimen carries this risk, doctors will explain it in advance and discuss management options.
• Home care: Use gentle shampoo and follow scalp care advice. Wearing hats or wigs may help reduce psychological stress related to hair loss.

Adequate nutrition is essential for completing chemotherapy treatment. Due to weakened immunity during treatment, both food safety and nutrition are important:

• Strict low‑bacteria diet: Fully cook all meat, seafood and eggs (avoid undercooked food). Avoid unpasteurised dairy products and raw foods (e.g. sashimi). Fruits should be washed thoroughly or better peeled before consumption.
• High‑protein and high‑calorie intake:
  The body requires increased protein to repair cells. Consume high‑quality protein sources such as fish and chicken. If appetite is poor, specialised nutritional supplements may be considered under dietitian guidance.
• Adequate hydration: Maintain sufficient fluid intake. This helps eliminate metabolites of chemotherapy drugs and reduces kidney burden.

We understand the importance of the treatment environment for both physical and emotional recovery. At OncoCare, patients receive treatment in a private, comfortable and calm environment.

Experienced oncology clinical team closely monitor the treatment process to ensure safety and smooth delivery.