Treatment
There are several types of
treatment for cancer. The main cancer treatments are surgery, chemotherapy and
radiation therapy. Other treatments include hormonal therapy, targeted therapy,
immunotherapy and stem cell transplants.
Cancer treatments are given by
cancer specialists (oncologists) who specialize in radiation therapy or
chemotherapy and other drug therapies. Surgeons use their skill in doing
surgery to remove tumours.
The type of treatment you have
will depend on many factors, including:
the type of cancer you have
the stage of the cancer
your personal preferences
your age
Treatment plans
Sometimes people who have the
same cancer will be given different treatments. Some people will have only 1
treatment but most people will have a combination of treatments such as surgery
with chemotherapy or radiation therapy or both.
When a combination of treatments
is used, they may be given together or at different times.
First line therapy is the
first, most common or preferred (standard) treatment given for a type of
cancer. It is also called primary therapy or primary treatment.
Neoadjuvant treatment is
given before other treatments such as surgery. It may be given if a tumour is
too large to be removed by surgery. It may include chemotherapy, radiation
therapy or hormone therapy.
Adjuvant treatment is given
to destroy cancer cells left behind after surgery and reduce the risk that the
cancer will come back (recur).
Treatment goals
Treatment is given for different
reasons. Sometimes, the goal of treatment can change over time.
Prevention (prophylaxis)
Treatment is given to prevent the
growth of cancer cells or to remove precancerous tissue that could turn into
cancer.
Cure
Treatment is given to cure the
cancer.
Control
Treatment is given to control the
cancer and stop it from growing and spreading. It also reduces the risk of the
cancer coming back.
Palliative care
When the cancer can’t be cured or
controlled, treatment may be given to relieve pain or ease the symptoms of
advanced cancer.
Types of treatment
Treatment can be broadly divided
into the following types of therapies.
Local therapy is directed at
a specific part of the body and is often used when cancer is only in that area.
Radiation therapy and surgery are both local treatments.
Systemic therapy travels
through the bloodstream to reach cancer cells throughout the body. Many chemotherapy
drugs are systemic treatments that are absorbed by the body’s cells and
tissues.
Targeted therapy uses drugs
to target specific molecules (such as proteins) on cancer cells or inside them.
By targeting these molecules, the drugs stop the growth and spread of cancer
cells and limit harm to normal cells.
Side effects of treatment
Side effects can happen with any
type of treatment for cancer, but everyone’s experience is different. Not
everyone has side effects or experiences them in the same way. Side effects can
occur during or after treatment. They may go away quickly or last for a long
time.