Chemotherapy (often shortened to “chemo”) is a type of cancerImagine your body as a well-organized society, where each cell plays a specific role. Cancer disrupts this harmony, as a group of cells goes rogue, breaking the rules of normal growth and function. These renegade cells multiply uncontrollably, forming tumors… Read More treatment that uses powerful medicineMedicine is the field of science and practice that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure of disease. Think of it like this: • Your body is a complex machine. • Medicine is like a toolbox, and knowledge is… Read More to destroy cancer cellsCells are the basic building blocks of all living things. Think of them like tiny rooms that make up a much larger house—your body! Examples of cells: • Animal cells: These make up animals like you, cats, and birds. • Plant… Read More. 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 abnormalWhat does “abnormally” mean?”Abnormally” means something is different from what’s usual, regular, or expected. It’s like something is out of the ordinary. Imagine you have a line of evenly spaced trees. If one tree is much taller or shorter than… Read More 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 divisionCell division is the process by which one cell splits into two new cells. This is how our bodies grow, replace old cells, and heal injuries. Normal cells go through a carefully controlled cycle of growth and division.Cancer: Division Out… Read More process.

Unfortunately, some healthy cells, like those in your hair follicles or digestive systemYour digestive system is like a complex assembly line, breaking down food into its tiniest parts so your body can absorb the nutrients and use them for energy. Imagine a recycling plant that takes in various materials (food) and breaks… Read More, 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.”