Cancer Treatment

There are many types of cancer treatment. The types of treatment that you have will depend on the type of cancer you have and how advanced it is. Some people with cancer will have only one treatment. But most people have a combination of treatments, such as surgery with chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. You may also have immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or hormone therapy.
Clinical trials might also be an option for you. Clinical trials are research studies that involve people. Understanding what they are and how they work can help you decide if taking part in a trial is a good option for you.
When you need treatment for cancer, you have a lot to learn and think about. It is normal to feel overwhelmed and confused. But, talking with your doctor and learning all you can about all your treatment options, including clinical trials, can help you make a decision you feel good about. Our Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Treatment may help.

Types of Treatment

  

Credit: National Cancer Institute

There are many types of cancer treatment. The types of treatment that you receive will depend on the type of cancer you have and how advanced it is.
The main types of cancer treatment include:

Surgery

Describes how surgery is used to treat cancer. Includes information about what you can expect before, during, and after surgery.

Radiation Therapy

Describes how radiation therapy is used to treat cancer. Includes information about the types of radiation, side effects, and what you can expect from treatment.

Chemotherapy

Describes how chemotherapy is used to treat cancer. Includes information about what to expect during treatment and tips for managing diet needs and working during treatment.

Immunotherapy  

Describes how immunotherapy helps your immune system fight cancer. Includes information about the types of immunotherapy and what you can expect during treatment.

Targeted Therapy

Information about the role that targeted therapies play in cancer treatment. Includes how targeted therapies work against cancer, who receives targeted therapies, common side effects, and what to expect when having targeted therapies.

Hormone Therapy

Describes how hormone therapy slows or stops the growth of breast and prostate cancers that use hormones to grow. Includes information about the types of hormone therapy and side effects that may happen.

Stem Cell Transplant

Describes how stem cell transplants are used in cancer treatment. Includes information about the types of transplants and what to expect when receiving a transplant.

Precision Medicine

Information about the role that precision medicine plays in cancer treatment. Includes how genetic changes in a person's cancer are identified and may be used to select treatments that are most likely to help them.

Some people with cancer will have only one treatment. But most people have a combination of treatments, such as surgery with chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. When you need treatment for cancer, you have a lot to learn and think about. It is normal to feel overwhelmed and confused. But, talking with your doctor and learning about the types of treatment you may have can help you feel more in control. Our Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Treatment may help

Side Effects

 Cancer treatments can cause side effects—problems that occur when treatment affects healthy tissues or organs. Side effects vary from person to person, even among those receiving the same treatment. Some people have very few side effects while others have many. The type of treatment(s) you receive, as well as the amount or frequency of the treatment, your age, and other health conditions you have may also factor into the side effects you may have.

Before you start treatment, ask your health care team what side effects you are likely to have. Learn about steps you can take, as well as supportive care that you will receive, to lessen side effects during and after treatment. Speak up about any side effects you have and changes you notice, so your health care team can treat or help you manage them.
Common side effects caused by cancer treatment include:

Clinical Trials Information for Patients and Caregivers

What clinical trials are, why they are important, and things to think about and ask when deciding to take part.

Sources >> http://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment