Chemotherapy, or chemo, is a type of drug thats used to treat cancer. It works by stopping the division and growth of cancer cells.

Chemo is given in specific intervals, also known as cycles or schedules. The duration of one cycle depends on several factors, including the:

These factors also determine the number of cycles and the entire duration of the treatment.

The total duration depends on other factors as well, including:

To learn how long chemotherapy takes, read on. This article will cover the estimated duration of chemo, along with how to prepare for the actual treatment.

One course of chemo treatment may last between 3 to 6 months. Typically, one course consists of several on-and-off cycles. One cycle usually lasts 2 to 6 weeks.

Within each cycle, there are multiple treatment sessions. The sessions might take place once a day, week, or month. The duration of each session depends on its form.

Heres how long different types of intravenous (IV) chemo take:

Oral and topical chemotherapy are less time-consuming. Thats because they can be done at home on your own.

In oral chemo, you take the drug by mouth. The drug might be in the form of a:

Topical chemo is an ointment or gel that you rub on your skin.

Chemotherapy infusions can last several hours or days. Your healthcare provider can let you know how long each session will likely take.

Heres what you can do to feel more comfortable during each session:

In some cases, doctors may prescribe medication to ease symptoms before they start. Before beginning your chemotherapy treatment, ask your doctor about possibly pre-treating symptoms you may be concerned about, such as nausea.

Keep in mind that every treatment center is different. To prepare, ask your healthcare professional what amenities and services will be available.

As chemotherapy destroys cancer cells, it also harms healthy cells. This includes cells in your digestive system and hair, along with cells that produce blood.

In turn, chemo can cause various side effects. Some side effects go away quickly, while other side effects can last longer than the actual treatment. These effects can last months or years.

This means that chemotherapy can technically take much longer beyond the treatment itself. Heres what you can do to prepare for these side effects in the long term:

If you need financial assistance with these forms of care, organizations like Cancer Financial Assistance Coalition and CancerCare may help.

In general, chemotherapy can take about 3 to 6 months to complete. It may take more or less time, depending on the type of chemo and the stage of your condition. Its also broken down into cycles, which last 2 to 6 weeks each.

These cycles are repeated in an on-and-off fashion to let your body rest between treatments. Each cycle consists of multiple sessions. One session can take a few minutes to several hours, depending on the form of chemo.

If you have questions about your treatment, talk with your healthcare professional. This will help you prepare and seek out the support you need.

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How Long is Chemotherapy? What to Expect - Healthline