Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy (often shortened to "chemo") is a type of cancer treatment that uses powerful medicine to destroy cancer cells. It works by stopping or slowing down the growth of fast-dividing cells, and cancer cells happen to grow and divide much faster than most healthy cells.

Cellular Growth:

• Our body is made up of trillions of cells that constantly divide and grow to keep us healthy.
• Cancer cells are abnormal cells that grow and divide much faster than healthy cells. This rapid, uncontrolled growth is what forms tumors.How Chemo Works:
• Chemo drugs target the rapid cell division process.

Unfortunately, some healthy cells, like those in your hair follicles or digestive system, also divide quickly. As a result, they are also susceptible to chemo drugs' attacks.

The Word Itself: Breaking it Down

• Chemo- : This comes from the word "chemical," referring to the strong medicines used in this treatment.
• -therapy : This means "treatment" or "cure."
• Putting it Together

So, "chemotherapy" literally means "treatment with chemicals."