Browser does not support script.
Skip to main content
search here
Macmillan and Cancerbackup merged in 2008. Together we provide free, high quality information for people affected by cancer through our publications, website and phone service. Find out more|.
Find out how we produce our information|
This section gives information about chemotherapy, a treatment used for some types of cancer. We hope that it answers your questions and helps you to cope with any side effects it may cause.
Where cancer is mentioned, this refers to cancer, leukaemia| and lymphoma|.
Sometimes chemotherapy is used to treat non-cancerous conditions, but often the doses are lower and the side effects may be reduced. This section does not cover the use of chemotherapy for conditions other than cancer.
The section is divided into sections about how the treatment works|, how it's given|, and how to deal with some of the more common side effects|. You're likely to have questions and concerns about your own treatment that this information doesn't cover, as there are over 200 different types of cancer| and over 50 chemotherapy drugs|, which can be given in various ways.
It's best to discuss the details of your own treatment with your doctor, who will be familiar with your particular situation and type of cancer.
If this information has helped you, you can show it to your family and friends. They may also want information to help them support you.
For answers, support or just a chat, call the Macmillan Support Line free (Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm)
If you have any questions about cancer, need support or just want someone to talk to, ask Macmillan.
Order your free booklet, CD or audio cassette from our Be.Macmillan site.|