Chemotherapy

At Birmingham Breast Clinic, we are dedicated to supporting you throughout your breast cancer journey. Chemotherapy is one of the most effective treatments available, designed to target and destroy cancer cells wherever they are in your body. Under the expert care of Dr Sunduz Yahya, a leading consultant oncologist specialising in breast cancer, your treatment will be carefully tailored to your specific needs, ensuring you receive the best possible care.

What is chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy uses medications that travel through your bloodstream to target cancer cells throughout your body. This systemic approach makes it an effective treatment option at various stages of breast cancer:

• Before surgery (neoadjuvant chemotherapy): To shrink tumours, making surgery less invasive and more effective.
• After surgery (adjuvant chemotherapy): To destroy remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence.
• For advanced breast cancer: To control the disease, relieve symptoms, and improve quality of life.

What to expect during chemotherapy treatment

At Birmingham Breast Clinic, you are supported every step of the way. Here’s what to expect during your chemotherapy journey:

• Initial consultation
  Your treatment begins with a thorough consultation, where we explain how chemotherapy works, discuss your personalised treatment plan, and answer any questions you may have. This ensures you feel informed and confident about your care.
• Personalised treatment plan
  Your care team will design a treatment plan tailored to your diagnosis, overall health, and personal needs. Chemotherapy may involve one or more drugs, administered in cycles with rest periods to allow your body to recover.
• Receiving your treatment
  Chemotherapy is typically delivered as an intravenous (IV) infusion at our clinic. Each session may last several hours, depending on the drugs used. In some cases, chemotherapy can be taken as tablets at home.
• Ongoing support and monitoring
  Your progress will be closely monitored to ensure the treatment is effective. Our team will also provide practical advice and medications to help you manage side effects, ensuring you feel as comfortable as possible.

How chemotherapy works for breast cancer

Chemotherapy works by targeting cancer cells’ ability to grow and divide. It is particularly effective for:

• shrinking tumours to improve surgical outcomes
• eliminating remaining cancer cells after surgery
• reducing the risk of cancer spreading to other parts of your body
• controlling symptoms in advanced breast cancer

This treatment helps to give you the best chance of successful outcomes by addressing cancer cells throughout your body.

Managing chemotherapy side effects

Chemotherapy is highly effective but may cause side effects. Common side effects include:

• fatigue
• nausea or vomiting
• hair loss
• appetite changes
• increased risk of infections

Our team will provide you with practical tools and emotional support to help you manage these effects and maintain your quality of life during treatment.

Why choose Birmingham Breast Clinic?

We know how important it is to choosethe right team for your care. At Birmingham Breast Clinic, you can expect:

• Expert care
  Our team includes highly experienced oncologists and specialists who focus on providing you with the most advanced and effective treatments available.
• A multidisciplinary approach
  Your treatment is planned and delivered by a team of experts, including oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, and pathologists, all working together to ensure the best outcomes for you.
• Comprehensive support
  We are here to support you at every stage, helping you manage side effects, offering emotional care, and ensuring you feel fully informed and supported throughout your treatment journey.
• Access to cutting-edge treatments
  As part of our commitment to innovation, we offer the latest advancements in chemotherapy and other cancer therapies, so you can be confident in the care you receive.

Contact us

We understand that a cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but at Birmingham Breast Clinic, you are not alone. We are here to guide and support you through every step of your chemotherapy journey. If you would like to learn more about chemotherapy or arrange a consultation, please contact us.