Does a medical oncology perform chemotherapy?

The oncologist decides which drugs to use, how they are scheduled and whether they should be combined with surgery, radiotherapy or another systemic treatment.

Chemotherapy uses medicines that damage or disrupt rapidly dividing cells. It can be delivered through a vein, by mouth or by another route, depending on the drug and treatment purpose.

Before each planned treatment, the care team reviews symptoms and relevant test results. A dose may be delayed or changed when blood counts, organ function or side effects indicate that more recovery time is needed.

Keep an up-to-date medicine and allergy list, and report recent infection symptoms before arriving. Follow the unit's guidance about eating, drinking, transport and whether you may bring a support person.

After treatment, take supportive medicines as prescribed and note nausea, bowel changes, mouth problems, tingling or fatigue. Contact the team early when symptoms prevent drinking, eating, sleeping or usual activity; they can give specific management advice.

Contact the oncology service immediately for fever, shaking chills, new signs of infection, uncontrolled vomiting or diarrhoea, unusual bleeding, or painful mouth sores that stop you drinking. Do not wait for the next booked appointment.

Call emergency services for severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, collapse, sudden confusion, a seizure or signs of a serious allergic reaction such as facial swelling.

Discuss the aim of chemotherapy, the planned route and schedule, expected effects on daily life and which supportive medicines will be supplied.

Ask how treatment response will be checked, what could lead to a dose change, whom to call after hours and whether any vaccinations, supplements or dental procedures should be discussed first.