How long does chemotherapy last?

There is no single answer, because treatment schedules for chemotherapy vary widely. According to the National Cancer Institute, how often and how long you get chemotherapy depends on your type of cancer and how advanced it is, whether the goal is to cure the cancer, control its growth, or ease symptoms, the type of chemotherapy you are getting, and how your body responds.

Chemotherapy is often given in cycles. A cycle is a period of treatment followed by a period of rest. For instance, you might receive chemotherapy every day for one week, followed by three weeks with no chemotherapy — those four weeks make up one cycle. The rest period gives your body a chance to recover and build new healthy cells.

It is best not to skip a treatment, though your doctor may adjust your schedule if you are having certain side effects. Your healthcare team can explain your specific schedule and how many cycles you can expect.