This study was conducted to investigate whether an individualized cancer patient education would increase self-care knowledge and performance. Eventually, it was to reduce side effect and promote self-care for chemotherapy. Method: This study utilized a nonequivalent control group pre-post test design. The subjects included 50 patients with cancer 25 in the experimental group, and 25 in the control group. The study was performed from January 2006 to June 2006 for the patients who were first treated by chemotherapy in a university hospital. Results: Individualized education was significantly increased in self-care knowledge and performance. Self-care knowledge and performance showed significant correlations as well. Conclusions: Individualized patient education was an effective nursing intervention in increasing self-care knowledge and performance for chemotherapy.