Chemotherapy

After the in depth discussion regarding chemotherapy, list the advantages and disadvantages of this treatment. Do you believe that this is an effective method to "cure" cancer? Why or why not? In your opinion, under what circumstances should an individual consider chemotherapy?

Cancer is the uncontrolled dividing of cells due to mutations which develop tumors. These tumors grow and take energy away the body and healthy cells. One way to combat cancer is through chemotherapy which uses chemicals to kill cancerous cells. The following are advantages and disadvantages of chemotherapy:

Advantages:

• potential of successfully eliminating cancerous cells
• Drugs can be used to combat negative side effects

Disadvantages:

• Side effects: hair loss, nauses, loss of apetite, constipation or diareha, painful and weakness in body
• Different Organ problems: heart or kidney problems, lung tissue damage or nerve damage (1)
• chemicals injected into body cannot differentiate from healthy and unhealthy cells
• Expensive and long procedure

Cancer is one of the deadliest illnesses known to mankind and almost anyone affected with it would want to cure it. Although chemotherapy has many side effects, it is a treatment that is offered as a way to decrease cancer cells by sacrificing healthy cells. This choice is definitely up to the person and how they want to deal with their cancer. However, a person who wants to undergo chemotherapy has probably gone through many other treatments before finally wanting to undergo this long, chemically risky process. Furthermore, this is the most widely known cancer killing procedure known to public and, unless more options are available, most people who are in need of a "cure" will go for chemotherapy.

In that sense, those who are ill would rather spend their time with loved ones in the comfort of their own homes rather than in a white-walled hospital room. Additionally, they must consider their age, their chances of survival, their lifestyle, etc. This ultimately comes down to the patient's choice and how they want to spend their few years either fighting or accepting. 

Personally, if I was diagnosed with cancer now or before 35, i would undergo chemotherapy because I have no lived yet and I have family that would encourage me to fight for my life. However, if i was older such as 70+, I would still fight but if I have undergone so many unsuccessful treatments, I would accept my cancer and continue living my life and preparing myself and my loved ones within the limited time i have.

1. http://www.livestrong.com/article/71774-disadvantages-chemotherapy/#ixzz2PDnYFONb