Chemotherapy is the treatment of cancer through chemicals i.e. by anti-cancer drugs. In chemotherapy anti-cancer drugs are given to the patient to destroy or control the cancer cells.

As for the working of the chemotherapy is concern here the drugs enter your bloodstream and therefore reach all parts of your body. Chemotherapy drugs destroy cancer cells by damaging them so they can't divide and grow. So these drugs can also affect normal cells which are growing and dividing quickly and this causes the side effects. This is the cause why all doctors first of all discuss and explain all the side effects of chemotherapy in detailed before starting chemotherapy on any patient.

In fact there are so many side effects of chemotherapy.

1. Chemotherapy can reduce the production of blood cells (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets) in the bone marrow. As the red blood cells carry oxygen to all parts of the body, a body deficient of red blood cells may leads to anemia. As a result the patient my feel very tired and lethargic, and may also feel breathless as there is less oxygen being carried around your body. Similarly as white blood cells fights infection, a chemotherapy may increase the risk of infection in the body. In the same way as the platelets, help the blood to clot and control bleeding, chemotherapy may increase the risk of bleeding such as nosebleeds, blood spots or rashes on the skin (petechiae) or bleeding gums etc.

2. Some chemotherapy drugs can make all of your hair fall out and this can be very upsetting.
3. Your digestive system can be affected in a number of ways by chemotherapy. Some chemotherapy drugs can affect the lining of the digestive system and this may cause diarrhoea for a few days. Some chemotherapy drugs (or anti-sickness drugs) can cause constipation.
Some chemotherapy drugs can affect the appetite. Chemotherapy can affect the sense of taste; food may taste more salty, bitter or metallic. Some drugs can cause a sore mouth, which may lead to mouth ulcers.
4. Some drugs can affect the skin. The skin may become dry or slightly discoloured.
5. Some chemotherapy drugs can affect the nerves in the hands or feet. This can cause tingling or numbness, or a sensation of pins and needles. This is called peripheral neuropathy. Very occasionally it can damage the nerves permanently.
6. Some drugs can make one feel anxious, restless, dizzy, sleepy or have headaches. Some people also find it hard to concentrate.
7. Some chemotherapy drugs can increase the risk of developing particular types of cancer or leukaemia later in life.

So these are some of the side effects of the chemotherapy.

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