Question 1

What side effects should I expect from chemotherapy?

Accepted Answer

Chemotherapy can cause different side effects depending on which medicines are used and on how your body responds. The most common are tiredness, nausea, temporary hair loss, a reduced appetite and a more sensitive immune system during treatment. Your doctor will explain what to expect from your specific treatment — write down your questions and ask them at your appointment.

Question 2

Will I lose my hair? How can I prevent or manage it?

Accepted Answer

Hair loss happens with some types of chemotherapy, but not all — your doctor can tell you in advance whether your treatment has this effect. If it does happen, hair loss usually starts 2–4 weeks after the first cycle and is temporary: your hair grows back once treatment is finished. There are also options to reduce the risk, such as cold caps, which are worth discussing with your medical team.

Question 3

Is chemotherapy really necessary in my case?

Accepted Answer

The decision about chemotherapy is individual and is based on the type of cancer, its stage, the features of the tumor and your general health. If you have doubts or want more clarity, you have the legal right to ask for a second opinion from another oncologist — in Romania, this is a recognized right. The most important step is an honest, detailed conversation with your doctor before making any decision.

Question 4

How can I manage nausea and vomiting during treatment?

Accepted Answer

Nausea is a common side effect, but there are effective anti-sickness (anti-emetic) medicines that your doctor can prescribe before and after your chemotherapy sessions. Alongside medication, a few simple strategies help: small, frequent meals instead of three large ones, plain foods (unsalted crackers, rice, bananas), avoiding strong smells, and staying hydrated with small sips. If the nausea is severe or does not improve with the prescribed treatment, tell your medical team — there are further options.

Question 5

How do I know if the treatment is working? When will I have my follow-up CT scan?

Accepted Answer

How well the treatment is working is assessed through regular tests — CT scans, MRI scans or blood tests — scheduled by your doctor at intervals set by the protocol, usually after 2–4 cycles of chemotherapy. Your doctor will explain what they are looking for and what the results mean in your case. Feeling anxious during the waiting periods is normal — if you have questions about the timing or the results, write them down and ask your oncologist directly at your appointment.

Question 6

I have anaemia or neuropathy after chemotherapy — what should I do?

Accepted Answer

Anaemia (a drop in haemoglobin) and peripheral neuropathy (numbness or tingling in the hands and feet) are known side effects of some chemotherapy drugs and should be reported to your doctor without delay. Your doctor may adjust the doses, prescribe supplements or offer supportive treatments depending on how severe it is. Until your appointment, avoid activities with a risk of falling if you have neuropathy, and allow yourself more time to rest if you are anaemic.

Question 7

What can I eat during chemotherapy? Are any foods off-limits?

Accepted Answer

There is no single diet that suits everyone having cancer treatment, but a few general principles help: choose foods that are easy to digest and rich in protein (boiled eggs, lean meat, cooked pulses), and avoid raw or processed foods when your immune system is low. Grapefruit, alcohol and very spicy foods are generally best avoided during treatment, as they can interact with your medicines. A dietitian who specializes in cancer care can put together a personalized plan for you — ask your doctor for a referral.

Question 8

Will I be able to have children after treatment? How does chemotherapy affect fertility?

Accepted Answer

Some cancer treatments can affect fertility, but not all of them — the impact depends on the type and doses of the medicines, the area being treated and your age. If having children in the future matters to you, it is essential to raise this with your oncologist BEFORE starting treatment, so you can explore fertility preservation options (freezing eggs, embryos or sperm). Do not put off this conversation.

Question 9

Can I take natural supplements or alternative treatments alongside chemotherapy?

Accepted Answer

Some natural supplements (herbal remedies, high-dose vitamins, extracts) can interact with chemotherapy and may reduce how well the treatment works or increase its toxicity — this is a real, clinically documented risk. That is why it is essential to tell your oncologist about any supplement or natural preparation you are taking or thinking of taking. Do not stop or change your conventional treatment on the basis of unproven alternatives.

Question 10

How do I interpret my CT/MRI/PET-CT results?

Accepted Answer

Imaging results are complex, and reading them correctly means your radiologist and oncologist have to weigh them against your full medical history. What you can do before your appointment: write down any terms in the report that you do not understand and ask your doctor to explain what they actually mean in your case. The OncoDots glossary can help you make sense of common medical terminology.

Question 11

Is it worth going abroad for treatment? How can I find out more?

Accepted Answer

Going abroad for treatment can be an option for complex cases or to access experimental protocols that are not available in Romania, but it involves high costs, difficult logistics and a break in the continuity of your medical follow-up. In the EU, Directive 2011/24 allows European citizens to receive medical treatment in other member states with partial reimbursement — in Romania, ask your health insurance house (Casa de Asigurari de Sanatate) about the exact conditions. Talking to your current doctor is the essential first step before any decision.

Question 12

How much does treatment / radiotherapy cost? What does CNAS reimburse?

Accepted Answer

In Romania, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are generally reimbursed by CNAS (the national health insurance fund) for insured patients, as long as they are prescribed by an oncologist and provided in facilities contracted with the health insurance fund. Some newer medicines or targeted therapies may require special applications through the national oncology programs or individual approval requests to CNAS. The social worker or case manager at your hospital can help you navigate the administrative procedures.

Question 13

What are my rights to medical leave and a disability certificate as a cancer patient?

Accepted Answer

As a cancer patient in Romania, you can receive medical leave for temporary incapacity to work for up to 18 months (with the possibility of extension to 24 months in serious cases), and a grade I or II disability certificate gives you additional benefits: free transport, tax exemptions and access to dedicated social services. The process involves an assessment by the Medical Expertise Commission — your GP or a social worker can guide you through the steps.

Question 14

Can my caregiver take paid leave to look after me?

Accepted Answer

Yes — in Romania, Law no. 24/2022 gives people who care for a patient with a serious illness the right to 45 working days of paid leave per year (caregiver leave). It is a little-known but real right: the caregiver must be insured in the public health system, provide the patient's medical documents and request the leave from their employer. This law can make a significant difference for your family.

Question 15

Where can I find psychological support or support groups for me and my family?

Accepted Answer

Psychological support is an integral part of cancer care, not a luxury. In Romania, you have the right to psychological counseling within the medical facility where you are being treated — ask your oncologist for a referral to the hospital's psychologist or psycho-oncologist. Beyond clinical support, organizations such as FABC Romania, ComunitateaOncologica.ro and NeoLife offer support groups and peer support, which can be just as valuable.

Question 16

Does sugar feed cancer?

Accepted Answer

Every cell in the body, including healthy ones, uses glucose as a source of energy — not just cancer cells. Cutting down on added sugar is good for your overall health (weight, diabetes, inflammation), but there is no clinical evidence that completely cutting out sugar stops cancer from progressing. Research into low-glycaemic-index diets is ongoing, but the results are still inconclusive. The most important step is to talk to your doctor or a dietitian who specializes in cancer before making any major changes to your diet.

Question 17

Does an alkaline diet cure cancer?

Accepted Answer

Your blood pH is tightly controlled by the body between 7.35 and 7.45 and cannot be changed significantly through diet — the body automatically corrects any deviation. A diet rich in vegetables and fruit is good for your overall health, but not because of any supposed “alkalinising” of the body. There are no clinical studies showing a causal link between an alkaline diet and curing cancer. Talk to your doctor about any major dietary change you are considering.

Question 18

Does baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) help with cancer?

Accepted Answer

There are no clinical studies in humans confirming that sodium bicarbonate is effective in treating cancer. Taking too much can cause serious electrolyte imbalances, especially during chemotherapy, when the body is already vulnerable. Preliminary laboratory research exists, but it is a long way from safe clinical use. Do not take baking soda in large doses without the explicit agreement of your oncologist.

Question 19

Do high doses of vitamin C cure cancer?

Accepted Answer

High-dose vitamin C given intravenously is being studied at some research centers, but it is not part of standard oncology protocols. In high doses, it can interfere with certain chemotherapy drugs and can distort blood test results (for example blood sugar). Randomized trials are few and inconclusive. Check with your oncologist before taking any high-dose vitamin C supplement during treatment.

Question 20

Does ivermectin work for cancer?

Accepted Answer

Ivermectin has shown anti-cancer effects only in in-vitro studies (on laboratory cells), and human studies are extremely limited and do not show that it works. It is not approved for treating cancer by any medicines agency (EMA, FDA, or ANMDM in Romania). Replacing your cancer treatment with medicines that are not authorised for this use is a serious risk. Talk to your oncologist before taking any medicine outside your treatment protocol.

Question 21

Cannabis and cancer — does it help or not?

Accepted Answer

Cannabinoids (THC, CBD) may help manage some symptoms during treatment, such as nausea, pain and loss of appetite, and are being studied for this. However, there is no clinical evidence that cannabis cures or stops cancer. In Romania, access to medical cannabis was made legal in 2024, but it is strictly regulated and requires a doctor's prescription. Talk to your medical team if you are considering this option for managing symptoms.

Question 22

What are complementary versus alternative therapies? Are they safe?

Accepted Answer

Complementary therapies (acupuncture, yoga, meditation, oncology massage) are used alongside standard treatment and can improve quality of life — many are studied and recommended by oncology teams. Alternative therapies, on the other hand, are presented as a replacement for standard treatment and carry a major risk: delaying or abandoning an effective treatment in favour of unproven alternatives significantly increases mortality. The key difference is “alongside” versus “instead of”. Talk to your doctor about any complementary therapy you are considering.

Question 23

How can I check whether a promise of a cure is real?

Accepted Answer

Warning signs: a guaranteed cure, a “secret” product or one “hidden by the industry”, emotional testimonials with no clinical studies, a high cost not covered by insurance, and pressure to stop your cancer treatment. Trustworthy sources: studies published on PubMed or ClinicalTrials.gov, ESMO/NCCN guidelines, and information from ANMDM (Romania's medicines agency). If someone promises a guaranteed cure or urges you to stop your treatment, ask your oncologist for a second opinion straight away.

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