The conventional, main methods of treating cancer are surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and immunotherapy/biological therapy. Your healthcare provider will determine which treatment or treatments are best for you.
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The first step in preparing for your cancer treatment is to find an oncologist and treatment center. Ask your general or primary healthcare provider for a referral or contact government and professional medical organizations, such as your state's health department, the National Cancer Institute, or the American Medical Association, for information on cancer specialists and treatment centers in your area.
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Questions to ask your healthcare provider if you are considering chemotherapy.
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Because anticancer medicines are made to kill growing cells, they also affect normal, fast-growing cells such as blood cells forming in the bone marrow and cells in the digestive tract, reproductive system, and hair follicles. Some anticancer medicines may affect cells of vital organs, such as the heart, kidney, bladder, lungs, and nervous system.
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The radiology team is led by 1 or more radiologists. Radiologists interpret the results of exams, do certain procedures, consult with other healthcare providers in other specialties, and make sure of the overall quality performance of the entire team.
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Read on to learn about the role of the radiologist.
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With some cancers, people are given hormone therapy as soon as cancer is diagnosed, before any other treatment. It may shrink a tumor, or it may halt the advance of the disease. In some cancers, such as prostate cancer, hormone therapy helps ease the painful and distressing symptoms of advanced disease.
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Here are some questions to ask your healthcare provider about hormonal therapy.
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One type of surgery for cancer is curative. This procedure takes out the cancerous tumor or growth from the body. Surgeons use curative surgery when the cancerous tumor is in one certain part of the body. This type of treatment is often the main treatment. But other types of cancer treatments, such as radiation, may be used before or after the surgery.
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It's important to communicate your feelings, questions, and concerns with your healthcare provider before having surgery. Take notes, or ask a family member or friend to go with you and take notes for you. Here are some questions to get you started.
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Detailed information on bone marrow transplant, including preparation, types of transplant, transplant team, and possible procedure-related complications or side effects
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Sometimes called antiangiogenic therapy, this treatment may prevent the growth of cancer by blocking the formation of new blood vessels.
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Being involved in a clinical trial has risks and benefits. Being informed and asking lots of questions can help you make a decision.
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Here is a primer on health research so you can better understand human studies.
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Complementary medicine is used along with other therapies. It often serves to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. Alternative medicine is used alone, without standard treatment.
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Here is a brief explanation of 10 different complementary cancer therapies.
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