FACT
Chemotherapy
targets cells that are
rapidly dividing so
patients undergoing
chemotherapy often
lose their hair and
feel nauseous
(because the
intestinal lining in
the stomach is
killed).Figure 4.6: Chemotherapy is the use of chemical treatments targeted at cancer cells.- Surgery
Surgery involves removal of either the whole tumour, part of the tumour and sometimes
even whole organs or body parts. When a small section of the tumour is removed this is
calledbiopsy. Frequently surgery is followed by either radiation therapy or chemotherapy
and sometimes both.
Indigenous methods
In addition to the conventional methods of treatment described, many people seek alterna-
tive forms of treatment. In South Africa, individuals commonly use traditional medicines
like African Potato(Hypoxis hemerocallidea)and ”Cancer bush”(Sutherlandia frutescens),
to boost the immune system while undergoing conventional treatments.
Figure 4.7: African potato is used as a remedy
against cancer in some forms of traditional
medicine.Figure 4.8: ”Cancer bush” used in certain
forms of indigenous treatments for cancer.The cancer bush (Sutherlandia frutescent, uNwele)is an indigenous medicinal plant which
the Khoi and Nama people used to wash wounds and to reduce high fevers. The early settlers
also used this bush to treat chicken pox, eye problems and internal cancers. Cancer patients
often lose weight and suffer muscle wastage and a tonic made from this bush may improve
appetite, decrease anxiety and slow down the weight loss.
Chapter 4. Cell division 107