What to know
Cancer is treated in several ways. It depends on the type of cancer and how far it has spread.
Overview
If you recently learned that you have cancer, your doctor may have recommended certain kinds of treatment. The best treatment for you depends on:
- The type of cancer you have.
- The size of the cancer and how far it has spread in your body. This is called the stage.
When recommending treatment, your doctor will also keep in mind your age and any other health problems you may have.
Cancer treatment is based on the stage of the cancer. Sometimes, treatment is meant to cure the cancer. Other times, the goal is to stop the cancer from spreading further. Some treatments may be given to reduce side effects of other treatments and relieve symptoms caused by the cancer or its treatment. This is called palliative care and can be given at any stage of your cancer treatment. Your treatment plan may change over time.
Common types of cancer treatment
Cancer treatment may include:
- Surgery: An operation in which doctors cut out the cancer.
- Chemotherapy: Use of special medicines to shrink or kill the cancer. The drugs can be pills you take or medicines given in your veins, or sometimes both.
- Radiation therapy: Using high-energy rays (similar to x-rays) to kill the cancer.
- Hormonal therapy: Blocks cancer cells from getting the hormones they need to grow.
- Immunotherapy: Works with your body's immune system to help it fight cancer cells or to control side effects from other cancer treatments.
- Stem cell transplant (bone marrow transplant): Replacing bone marrow cells lost due to very high doses of chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Most commonly used to treat blood cancers and cancers that start in the lymph nodes.
Talk to your doctor about the right treatment for you
Talk to your cancer doctor about the treatment options available for your type and stage of cancer. Your doctor can explain the risks and benefits of each treatment and their side effects. Side effects are how your body reacts to drugs or other treatments.
Sometimes people get an opinion from more than one cancer doctor. This is called a "second opinion." Getting a second opinion may help you choose the treatment that is right for you.
More information
- Types of Cancer Treatment (National Cancer Institute)
- Treatment Types (American Cancer Society)