In this day-and-age, most of us are quite informed about chemo and radiation. Only if cancer strikes you personally, do you realise that you need to know more. I have gathered some information to widen your understanding of these fascinating drugs.

How does cancer develop? In normal cell division (something that occurs naturally), only worn out or damaged cells get replaced by a ‘one-on-one’ basis. Unfortunately, things can go haywire, and cells multiply at a furious speed (not just ‘one-on-one’ anymore). A tumour gets formed. Thanks to dedicated researchers, help is at hand!

CHEMOTHERAPY’s real name is Cytotoxic (cell poison) Chemotherapy. The name says it all. Cytotoxins trick cancer cells, by confusing them to eventually self destruct. They send out wrong messages as to how to ‘build’ - tripping them in their dividing, or else just cold bloodedly destroying them. Thus - chemo is used to cure, obtain long-term remission, support surgery and alleviate pain.

We all realise that cytotoxins unfortunately damages good cells in the process, because they can’t tell the difference between cancer cells and normal cells. This is the reason why one gets nasty side effects. It is because your poor body tries to function (for a while) with only ‘damaged and naughty cells’. The good news is that healthy cells recover MUCH faster than cancer cells. That is why chemo is administered in phases – giving healthy cells time to recover properly.

Here are some examples of therapies. (The info is obtained from the BCCA Information Database)
. ANTI-METABOLITES – gives wrong information to the cells as to how to ‘build’, thus interfering with the cells’ metabolic ability.
. ALKYLATING AGENTS – confuses the DNA of the cancer cells by interfering on all phases of cell division’s life cycle.
. VINCA (plant) ALKALOIDS – a natural chemical, aiding in stopping cell division at certain phases.
. HORMONES – natural substance in the human body. Hormones can send messages to stop-or encourage growth activities. Here are some examples:
- steroid hormones are used for uterus, prostate, breast and kidney cancers.
- Gluco-corticoid hormones are used for lymphocytic and histolytic lymphoma, lymphoblastic, lymphocytic and acute myelogenous leukaemia, Hodgkin’s disease, and multiple myeloma.
- Hormone therapy blocks certain cancer enhancing hormones in the body.
- Endocrine therapy (hormone manipulation), are used in breast and prostate cancers.

RADIOTHERAPY is also used to kill cancer cells. It can be used before surgery to reduce tumour size, after surgery to destroy remaining cancer cells, after chemotherapy to destroy possible remaining cancer cells, and also as pain relief in advanced cancers. It usually gets administered by ‘External Beam’, targeting the exact spot of trouble. In some cases, ‘Internal Radiotherapy’ is required - by placing wires or pellets close to the affected area, radiation will be given of in a measured period of time. Radioactive liquids can also be administered by injection or liquid. Total Body Irradiation (TBI) is used for stem cell or bone marrow transplants.

Your road ahead might feel dark and unknown at this stage. Know two things: help is truly at hand, and, you are not alone!!