Types of Treatment for Cancer
Cancer is a group of diseases that starts when one or more cells start growing and dividing faster than they should, usually without stopping. The growth of these abnormal cells eventually forms a mass of tissue called a tumor, which can lead to health problems such as pain, swelling, and loss of function in the part of the body where the cancer is located. Cancer can also spread to other parts of the body through the blood or lymph systems. This spread is called metastasis.
Many factors can cause cancer, such as genetic changes that occur over time or because of certain environmental influences. For example, tobacco products, cigarette smoke and certain chemicals (called carcinogens) can trigger gene mutations that increase the risk of cancer.
These genetic changes can also be caused by viruses or by errors that happen when cells divide. Cancer can also be inherited — some people are born with a tendency to develop cancer due to their genes.
Cancer can be cured with treatment, but what type of treatment is best depends on the type and stage of cancer and the patient’s overall health. There are several different types of treatments used to cure cancer:
Surgery — this is the oldest form of treatment for most cancers. Doctors use surgery to remove as much of the cancer as possible. They may also remove healthy tissue that surrounds the cancer to make sure all the cancer is gone.
Chemotherapy — this is a group of drugs that kill cancer cells by blocking their ability to grow or reproduce. Sometimes chemotherapy is given along with surgery or radiation therapy. It can be taken as pills, liquid or injected into a vein or muscle. It can be given in a hospital or at home. It is often given over a period of weeks or months. Some people are given a permanent catheter that goes into a large blood vessel in the chest, which makes it easy to get chemotherapy over a long time.
Radiation therapy — this is a type of treatment that uses high-energy X-rays or other types of radiation to destroy cancer cells. It can be given along with surgery or on its own. Sometimes, radiation is used to help ease the pain of surgery or other treatments.
Hormone therapy — this is a type of treatment where hormones are used to slow down or stop the growth of cancer cells. It is used with or without other treatments, depending on the type and stage of the cancer.
Other treatments — These include removing fluid from the area of a tumor to relieve pressure on nerves and other structures. The most common treatments for cancer are surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.
Most people find that hearing the words, “You have cancer,” is a frightening and stressful time. It is important to talk about your feelings with doctors, nurses, social workers or other members of your healthcare team. In addition, support groups and peer support programs can be helpful for people who have cancer or are caring for someone with cancer.
Cancer is a group of diseases that starts when one or more cells start growing and dividing faster than they should, usually without stopping. The growth of these abnormal cells eventually forms a mass of tissue called a tumor, which can lead to health problems such as pain, swelling, and loss of function in the part of the body where the cancer is located. Cancer can also spread to other parts of the body through the blood or lymph systems. This spread is called metastasis. Many factors can cause cancer, such as genetic changes that occur over time or because of certain environmental influences. For example, tobacco products, cigarette smoke and certain chemicals (called carcinogens) can trigger gene mutations that increase the risk of cancer. These genetic changes can also be caused by viruses or by errors that happen when cells divide. Cancer can also be inherited — some people are born with a tendency to develop cancer due to their genes. Cancer can be cured with treatment, but what type of treatment is best depends on the type and stage of cancer and the patient’s overall health. There are several different types of treatments used to cure cancer: Surgery — this is the oldest form of treatment for most cancers. Doctors use surgery to remove as much of the cancer as possible. They may also remove healthy tissue that surrounds the cancer to make sure all the cancer is gone. Chemotherapy — this is a group of drugs that kill cancer cells by blocking their ability to grow or reproduce. Sometimes chemotherapy is given along with surgery or radiation therapy. It can be taken as pills, liquid or injected into a vein or muscle. It can be given in a hospital or at home. It is often given over a period of weeks or months. Some people are given a permanent catheter that goes into a large blood vessel in the chest, which makes it easy to get chemotherapy over a long time. Radiation therapy — this is a type of treatment that uses high-energy X-rays or other types of radiation to destroy cancer cells. It can be given along with surgery or on its own. Sometimes, radiation is used to help ease the pain of surgery or other treatments. Hormone therapy — this is a type of treatment where hormones are used to slow down or stop the growth of cancer cells. It is used with or without other treatments, depending on the type and stage of the cancer. Other treatments — These include removing fluid from the area of a tumor to relieve pressure on nerves and other structures. The most common treatments for cancer are surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Most people find that hearing the words, “You have cancer,” is a frightening and stressful time. It is important to talk about your feelings with doctors, nurses, social workers or other members of your healthcare team. In addition, support groups and peer support programs can be helpful for people who have cancer or are caring for someone with cancer.