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Approved by the Z Cancer Foundation | Editorial Board, 02/2018
Chemotherapy treats many types of cancer effectively. But like other treatments, it often causes side effects. These are different for each person. They depend on the type of cancer, location, drugs and dose, and your general health.
Why does chemotherapy cause side effects?
Chemotherapy works on active cells. Active cells are cells that are growing and dividing into more of the same type of cell.
Cancer cells are active, but so are some healthy cells. These include cells in your blood, mouth, digestive system, and hair follicles. Side effects happen when chemotherapy damages these healthy cells.