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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|
Chemotherapy| is the use of anti-cancer (cytotoxic) drugs to destroy cancer cells.
Chemotherapy| may be given before an operation to shrink the cancer or after surgery to reduce the risk of cancer coming back. It can also be used to control breast cancer that has come back (recurrent cancer) or spread to another part of the body (secondary breast cancer).
If a man has had previous chemotherapy for breast cancer he will generally be treated with a different combination of drugs if further treatment is needed.
Chemotherapy drugs are given by injection into a vein (intravenously) or as tablets. Intravenous chemotherapy is given as a session of treatment, usually over a few hours. This is followed by a rest period of a few weeks, which allows your body to recover from any side effects of the treatment. Chemotherapy is usually given on an outpatient basis. A complete course of chemotherapy is likely to take 4-6 months.
Many different chemotherapy drugs are used to treat breast cancer. They are often used in combinations, called chemotherapy regimens. The commonly used chemotherapy drugs include:
Commonly used chemotherapy combinations are:
Other drugs that may be used to treat breast cancer include:
We have information about individual drugs| and chemotherapy combinations| you may have as part of your treatment.
Chemotherapy drugs can cause side effects, but these can usually be well controlled with medicines. They include:
Lowered resistance to infection This is one of the main short-term effects of chemotherapy. Usually about 7–10 days after chemotherapy the number of infection-fighting cells in the blood (white cells) are reduced. This can make you less able to fight off infection and can mean if you do get an infection you could become seriously unwell. Contact your doctor or the hospital straight away if you have any signs of infection such as:
We have more information on how to avoid infection| when you have low immunity, which you may find helpful.
Bruising or bleeding Chemotherapy can lower the numbers of cells called platelets in your blood. Platelets help the blood to clot, so if your platelet numbers are low you may bruise or bleed more easily than usual and it will take longer for any bleeding to stop. If you have any unexplained bruising or bleeding let your doctor know.
Low number of red blood cells (anaemia) Red blood cells carry oxygen round our bodies. If you have fewer red blood cells than normal you may look paler than usual and feel tired and breathless.
Before each chemotherapy session you will have a blood test called a full blood count (FBC). This test counts the numbers of white cells, red cells and platelets in your blood. Occasionally it may be necessary to delay your treatment if your white blood cell count or platelet count is low.
Feeling sick and vomiting Some chemotherapy drugs can make you feel sick or even be sick. You will be given anti-sickness drugs (anti-emetics) before your chemotherapy and to take home with you to help reduce this side effect.
Sore mouth Some chemotherapy drugs can make your mouth sore and may cause small ulcers. You may be prescribed a mouthwash to use regularly. This will help to keep your mouth clean and free of infection and can help to speed up the healing of mouth ulcers.
Taste changes You may find that foods taste different or everything tastes metallic. Your sense of taste will gradually go back to normal once the treatment has ended.
Hair loss Some chemotherapy drugs may cause hair loss. If you this happens your hair should start to grow back within about 3–6 months of the end of treatment. You may want to wear a hat or cap to cover up and to protect your scalp when you are outside until your hair grows back.
Tiredness Chemotherapy affects people in different ways. Some people find they are able to lead a fairly normal life during their treatment, but many become very tired and have to take things much more slowly. We have some tips on coping with fatigue.|
Although they may be hard to deal with at the time, side effects will gradually disappear once your treatment is over.
It’s important to use condoms if you have sex within the first 48 hours after chemotherapy. This is to protect your partner from any of the drug that may be present in seminal fluid.
It’s not a good idea to father a child while taking any of the chemotherapy drugs used to treat breast cancer, as they may damage your sperm and so cause harm to the foetus. If your partner could become pregnant it’s important to use effective contraception during your treatment.
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.