This concept is derived from the Hippocratic Oath, a guiding principle of medicine that dates back to ancient Greece.
While the exact phrase “first, do no harm” (“primum non nocere” in Latin) is not found in the original oath, it has
become a central tenet of medical ethics. “First, do no harm” is a simplified and commonly used version of the principle
of Non-Maleficence.
The Hippocratic Oath is an ancient ethical code that serves as a foundational guide for medical professionals. It is named
after Hippocrates, a Greek physician often called the “Father of Medicine.”

While the exact wording and content of the oath have evolved over time and across cultures, the core principles
typically include-

• Beneficence: A commitment to act in the patient’s best interest and to do what will benefit their health and
  well-being.
• Non-Maleficence: The principle of “do no harm” emphasizes the importance of not causing harm to the patient.
• Patient Confidentiality: A pledge to maintain the privacy and confidentiality of patients’ medical information.
• Autonomy and Informed Consent: Respecting the patient’s right to make their own decisions about their
  healthcare, informed by complete and accurate information.
• Avoiding Misuse of Medical Knowledge: A promise not to use medical knowledge to harm others or for unethical
  purposes.
• Collaboration with Colleagues: Commit to working with other healthcare professionals in the patient’s best
  interest.
• Humility: Acknowledging the limitations of one’s knowledge and skills and being open to continuous learning
  and improvement.

Though the Hippocratic Oath is not universally taken by all medical professionals today, its underlying principles
continue to influence medical ethics and guide the practice of medicine worldwide. Different medical schools and organizations may have their own versions or modern interpretations of the oath.

Chemotherapy, while it can cause harm due to its side effects, is often used because the potential benefits outweigh the risks. The purpose of chemotherapy is to kill or control cancer cells. Without it, many types of cancer would progress unchecked, leading to more significant harm or even death.

When a doctor recommends chemotherapy, they have usually determined that the potential for harm from the cancer is
greater than the potential harm from the treatment. They also consider the patient’s overall health, the type and stage of cancer, and the likelihood of success with chemotherapy. Embarking on the path of chemotherapy is a profound and
deeply personal journey, carrying with it a weight that is both physical and emotional.

Furthermore, doctors are responsible for fully informing patients about treatments’ potential risks and benefits, including chemotherapy. This is part of the principle of informed consent, which allows patients to make educated decisions about their healthcare.

At its core, the “first, do no harm” principle encapsulates a multidimensional concept, extending beyond mere avoidance of physical or physiological harm to advocating for active engagement in promoting healing and well-being.
Instead, it underscores the importance of medical practitioners balancing potential harm and the anticipated benefits.
This approach encourages a more subtle understanding of the principle, emphasizing the prevention of physical or
physiological harm and the proactive pursuit of optimal health outcomes.