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Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy (sometimes just called “chemo”) is the use of drugs to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells. The drugs are called cytotoxics, which means toxic to cells (cyto). Some of these drugs come from natural sources such as plants, while others are completely made in a laboratory. Watch video on chemotherapy now.

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Chemotherapy for children

This information is for adults having chemotherapy, although some of the information will also be relevant for children. Ask your doctor for specific information about chemotherapy for children.

For age-appropriate support and resources, contact:

Camp Quality – supports children aged 0–13 and their families. Call 1300 662 267.
CanTeen – supports young people aged 12–25 who have been affected by cancer Call 1800 226 833.
Redkite – supports those aged under 24 and their families. Call 1800 733 548.
See our section on Talking to kids about cancer.

Video: What is chemotherapy?

If you have cancer, chemotherapy may play a big role in your treatment plan. Watch this short video to learn more about chemotherapy, its role, how you get it, and possible side effects.

This information was last reviewed in August 2018. View who reviewed this content.

Dr Prunella Blinman, Medical Oncologist, Concord Cancer Centre, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, and Clinical Senior Lecturer, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, NSW; Gillian Blanchard, Oncology Nurse Practitioner, Calvary Mater Newcastle, and Conjoint Lecturer, School of Nursing and Midwifery, The University of Newcastle, NSW; Julie Bolton, Consumer; Keely Gordon-King, Psychologist, Cancer Council Queensland, QLD; John Jameson, Consumer; Dr Zarnie Lwin, Medical Oncologist, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, and Senior Lecturer, School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, QLD; Caitriona Nienaber, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council WA; Dr Felicia Roncolato, Medical Oncology Staff Specialist, Macarthur Cancer Therapy Centre, NSW. We also thank the health professionals, consumers and editorial teams who have worked on previous editions of this title.

View the Cancer Council NSW editorial policy.