Many cancer patients receive chemotherapy, which are treatments with drugs to stop cancer growth and promote tumor regression. During treatment, patients generally receive several doses of a chemotherapy drug, and the exposed cancer cells become damaged and die. The size and spread of the tumor are therefore reduced. Despite widespread use of chemotherapy, myths exist about this treatment, and these should be addressed when educating patients.
Chemotherapy Only Harms Cancer Cells
A common myth about chemotherapy is that the therapy only harms cancer cells. Although it is true that chemotherapy drugs damage and kill cancer cells, chemo drugs have an effect on any rapidly-proliferating cell in the body. Many healthy tissues -- such as cells in bone marrow, in the skin and in hair follicles -- undergo constant cell proliferation, and these tissues are often also affected by chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy's effect on bone marrow may have a profound effect on some patients. Cancer Research UK explains that cells of the blood, such as white blood cells, develop from bone marrow cells, and damage to the bone marrow during chemotherapy can lead to a decrease in white blood cells in the blood. Patients experiencing blood-related side effects of chemotherapy may take additional drug therapies to relieve side effects.
All Chemotherapy Is the Same
The myth that chemotherapy refers to one type of treatment is a popular belief. In reality, chemotherapy may involve the use of several drugs, and the drug "cocktails" used in chemotherapy differ on a case-by-case basis. Although all chemotherapy drugs target rapidly-diving cells throughout the body, different chemo drugs perform a range of functions in the cell, and, in turn, they damage a range of cellular pathways to fight cancer. By considering the type of cancer present, the severity of the tumor and the overall health of the patient, doctors can design a chemotherapy strategy to effectively treat an individual's cancer, while minimizing the risk of serious side effects.
Chemotherapy Always Leads to Hair Loss
Many people believe the myth that all chemotherapy causes hair loss. Although some chemotherapy drugs do list hair loss as a possible side effect, not all chemotherapy drugs cause hair loss. Oncolink, a website run by the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania, explains that many chemo drug companies do not list hair loss as a side effect, and many other drugs may cause only a slight thinning of hair. Patients may help reduce their risk of hair loss by cooling their scalp before and during chemotherapy, which decreases the flow of drug-containing blood into the hair follicles during treatment. Patients concerned about hair loss due to chemotherapy should discuss their concerns with a physician. They may discuss the possibility of receiving medication that does not lead to hair loss.
