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What Is Chemotherapy: How Does It Work?

Chemotherapy uses powerful drugs to kill rapidly dividing cells, primarily targeting cancer cells. The treatment serves multiple purposes: curing cancer by eliminating all cancer cells, controlling cancer by stopping spread or slowing growth, and relieving symptoms in advanced cases. It's commonly recommended for various cancer types including breast cancer, lung cancer, and leukemia, either alone or combined with surgery and radiation.

  • 29 Apr 2025
  • 3 min read
  • 2 views

Chemotherapy is a widely used treatment for cancer that involves ingestion of powerful drugs to destroy or slow the growth of cancer cells. Understanding the meaning of chemotherapy and its purpose is crucial for patients and their families. While chemotherapy is effective in treating cancer, it can also have side effects. During such testing times, one realises the importance of having health insurance or critical health insurance to cover the high costs associated with this treatment.

 

Understanding Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a medical treatment that uses drugs to kill rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells. The meaning of the word “chemo” extends beyond cancer treatment, as some chemotherapy drugs are also used for autoimmune diseases and blood disorders. However, the treatment is suggested primarily to cancer patients.

 

Why is Chemotherapy Done?

Chemotherapy is used for several reasons:

  • To cure cancer by eliminating all cancer cells.
  • To control cancer by stopping its spread or slowing its growth.
  • To relieve symptoms in advanced cancer cases.

 

Who Needs Chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy is recommended for individuals diagnosed with various types of cancer, including breast cancer, lung cancer, and leukemia. It may be used alone or in combination with surgery and radiation therapy depending on the nature and stage of cancer.

 

Conclusion

In a nutshell, it is a treatment aimed at targeting cancer cells to improve patient outcomes. While it is a critical therapy, its side effects and costs should be considered. Having health insurance can ensure financial security for cancer patients as most policies cover expenses related to chemotherapy and other cancer treatments.


Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your general physician or another certified medical professional for any questions regarding a medical condition. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.

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