Nausea and Vomiting Fast Facts

Acute nausea and vomiting: Nausea and vomiting that usually occur within the first 24 hours after chemotherapy.

American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO): The world’s leading oncology-professional organization. ASCO is committed to improving cancer care and prevention, advancing the education of healthcare professionals who treat patients with cancer, fostering communication between oncology specialists, and advocating public policy for high-quality cancer care. Get more information at www.asco.org.

Anticipatory nausea and vomiting: Nausea and vomiting that occur just by thinking about your chemotherapy. This happens because you experienced nausea and vomiting during a previous chemo cycle and expect these side effects to occur again.

Antiemetics: Medicines used to prevent or control nausea and vomiting after chemotherapy.

CancerCare: A national nonprofit organization that provides free, professional support services to anyone affected by cancer: people with cancer, caregivers, children, loved ones, and the bereaved. CancerCare provides counseling, education, financial assistance, and practical help by trained oncology social workers free-of-charge. Get more information at www.cancercare.org.

Chemo center: A hospital or an oncologist’s private practice where chemotherapy is administered.

Delayed nausea and vomiting: Nausea and vomiting that occur more than 24 hours after chemotherapy.

Emesis: Throwing up (food or drink coming up from your stomach through your mouth). Also known as vomiting.

Emetogenic/emetic: An agent that induces vomiting.

National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN): A not-for-profit alliance of some of the world’s leading cancer centers. NCCN is dedicated to improving the quality and effectiveness of care provided to patients with cancer. Get more information at www.nccn.org.

Nausea: An unpleasant feeling in the back of the throat and stomach that may or may not result in vomiting.

Oncology care team: The group of professionals who are dedicated to your cancer care. Your team may include an oncologist, nurse, and social worker, among others.

Oncology Nursing Society (ONS): A professional organization of more than 33,000 registered nurses and other healthcare providers dedicated to excellence in patient care, education, research, and administration in oncology nursing. ONS is the largest professional oncology nursing association in the world. Get more information at www.ons.org.

Treatment guidelines: A summary of medicines or medical techniques that are recommended as the best form of care. Treatment guidelines are developed by a group of well-respected healthcare professionals in a particular medical specialty.

Vomiting: Throwing up (food or drink coming up from your stomach through your mouth). Also known as emesis.