Understanding Chemotherapy: A Guide for Patients and Families

You’ve been told you have cancer. You’ve looked at your treatment options, and you and your doctor have agreed that chemotherapy is your best choice. Now you may have questions about chemotherapy treatment.

The American Cancer Society knows that you may have concerns about chemotherapy, and we have answers to some of your questions. Remember that, along with reading about your treatment, you can also count on your doctor and nurse to answer your questions.

At the end of this document, you will find a glossary that defines some of the words and terms used by your health care team. The words that are in italic type the first time they are used are also in the glossary. You can use the glossary to help you better understand the talks you have with your health care team. Open and honest talks with your cancer care team are the best way to understand what’s going on with you, your body, and the cancer.