Overview
Chemotherapy
We provide chemotherapy and other drug treatments for cancer in our Chemotherapy Village.
You have access to the latest treatments in modern, purpose-built facilities. Our Cancer Centre is designed to make your visit as comfortable as possible.
We are part of King's Health Partners, combining outstanding cancer care, research and education.
Our staff want to give you and your family the best care and support.
A specialist chemotherapy nurse will look after you. They’ll be able to answer your questions and reassure you.
You can also join our chemotherapy patient working group. They help us to make changes and improvements to our service. Please ask your chemotherapy nurse if you're interested in joining the group.
Understanding your treatment
We'll give you information about your chemotherapy treatment at your normal clinic. This is usually with a doctor or nurse. We'll ask for your consent to start the treatment.
You'll have an appointment with a chemotherapy nurse before you start treatment. They'll talk with you and your family about what to expect. They'll explain what you can do to keep as fit and well as possible during chemotherapy.
We'll give you a treatment record booklet. This will help you to track your cancer treatments and progress. You can watch our cancer treatment record video for help on how to use it.
You can ask questions at any point. It may be helpful to:
- write down any questions that you want to ask, starting with the most important
- bring a pen and paper so you can write down the answers
- bring a friend or relative to your appointment to help you remember
If you do not understand any answers, please ask your doctor or nurse to explain again. They will be happy to do this.
Health information and support
The Cancer Centre has an information service in the Welcome Village (level W). If you would like to know more about the type of cancer you have or your treatment, visit the information centre and speak to a cancer information nurse specialist.
We've produced videos to support you with:
- giving an injection under your skin at home
- caring for a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) line
We also have information about:
- diet advice during your chemotherapy treatment
- mouth care during and after chemotherapy treatment
- using your chemotherapy infusion device
The South East London Cancer Alliance (SELCA) website has lots of information to support people with cancer, their family, friends and carers.
Macmillan Cancer Support has an alert card and leaflet about side-effects for people having cancer treatment.
You can find out more about chemotherapy treatments and side effects on:
National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has guidance about treatments. This can help you make decisions about your care.
Research and clinical trials
We may ask if you want to take part in one of our clinical trials. If you wish to take part a research nurse will give you more details and answer any of your questions.
If you do not wish to take part, this will not affect your treatment.
Last updated: November 2023
