Anti Cancer

• Anti-cancer medications (also called chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or hormone therapy) are drugs used to treat, shrink, or destroy cancer cells. These medications are part of a broader cancer treatment plan and may be used alone or alongside surgery, radiation therapy, or lifestyle changes.

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• Cancer medications work in different ways—some kill fast-growing cells, some block growth signals, and others boost the body’s immune system to fight cancer.

• Cancer begins when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably and invade healthy tissue. Several factors can increase the risk:

  • Genetics and family history

  • Tobacco and alcohol use

  • UV or radiation exposure

  • Chemical exposure (e.g., asbestos, industrial toxins)

  • Unhealthy lifestyle (obesity, poor diet, inactivity)

  • Infections (e.g., HPV, Hepatitis B/C, H. pylori)

  • Age – Risk increases with age

  • Hormonal imbalance – In some hormone-sensitive cancers (like breast or prostate)

• Anti-cancer drugs are used for a wide range of cancers, including:

  • Breast cancer

  • Lung cancer

  • Colon and rectal cancer

  • Prostate cancer

  • Leukemia and lymphoma (blood cancers)

  • Ovarian, cervical, or uterine cancer

  • Liver, pancreatic, or kidney cancer

  • Brain tumors

• Cancer symptoms vary by type but may include:

  • Unexplained weight loss

  • Persistent fatigue

  • Lumps or swelling

  • Pain that doesn’t go away

  • Bleeding or bruising easily

  • Changes in bowel or bladder habits

  • Sores that don’t heal

  • Skin changes or unusual moles

  • Persistent cough or hoarseness

  • Night sweats or frequent infections

1. Chemotherapy Drugs (Chemo)

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• These drugs kill rapidly dividing cancer cells.

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• Examples:

  • Cisplatin

  • Paclitaxel

  • Doxorubicin

  • Cyclophosphamide

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• Often given through IV infusion, oral pills, or injections

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2. Targeted Therapy

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• Targets specific molecules or genes that cancer cells use to grow.

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• Examples:

  • Imatinib (for leukemia)

  • Trastuzumab (Herceptin) (for HER2+ breast cancer)

  • Erlotinib (for lung cancer)

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• Usually fewer side effects than traditional chemo

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3. Immunotherapy

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• Boosts the body’s own immune system to fight cancer.

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• Examples:

  • Nivolumab, Pembrolizumab (used in lung, melanoma, and others)

  • CAR-T cell therapy (for certain blood cancers)

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• Revolutionary treatments, especially for advanced cancers

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4. Hormone Therapy

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• Blocks hormones that fuel certain cancers like breast or prostate cancer.

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• Examples:

  • Tamoxifen

  • Letrozole

  • Leuprolide

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5. Anti-Angiogenesis Agents

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• Stop the blood supply that tumors need to grow.

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• Example:

  • Bevacizumab

• Short-term Side Effects:

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Hair loss

  • Fatigue

  • Loss of appetite

  • Mouth sores

  • Diarrhea or constipation

  • Skin rashes or dryness

  • Low blood cell counts (causing infections or bleeding)

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• Serious Side Effects (Rare but possible):

  • Heart problems

  • Kidney or liver damage

  • Fertility issues

  • Neuropathy (numbness or tingling)

  • Immune system overreaction (in immunotherapy)

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• Your doctor may adjust the dose or recommend supportive meds to manage side effects.

Doctors may use multiple tests to diagnose cancer, including:

• Physical exam and medical history

• Blood tests (e.g., tumor markers)

• Imaging: X-rays, MRI, CT scan, PET scan

• Biopsy (sample of tissue)

• Endoscopy or colonoscopy (to check internal organs)

• Genetic testing (for inherited cancers or targeted therapy planning)

• While not all cancers are preventable, some steps can lower your risk:

  • Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fiber

  • Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight

  • Avoid tobacco in all forms

  • Limit alcohol intake

  • Use sunscreen and avoid tanning beds

  • Get vaccinated (e.g., HPV, Hepatitis B)

  • Get screened regularly if you’re at high risk

  • Follow up with your doctor if you notice unusual symptoms

1. Will I lose my hair from cancer medications?

• Hair loss is common with chemotherapy but not with all cancer drugs. Your doctor will explain what to expect.

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2. Are cancer medications painful to take?

• Most are not painful to take but may cause side effects. Your healthcare team can help manage them.

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3. Can I still work or live normally during treatment?

• Many people continue working or doing daily tasks during treatment, though fatigue and side effects may require some adjustments.

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4. Are these medications safe long-term?

• They’re monitored closely. While some have long-term risks, they are often life-saving or life-extending.

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5. What if cancer returns after treatment?

• If cancer comes back, doctors will re-evaluate and plan a new treatment approach—possibly using different medications or therapies.