There are different ways to treat cancer, depending on the location and type of your cancer, its complexity and the body part affected.
Surgery is one of the most commonly used treatments for cancer. If identified early enough, surgery can be a curative way of treating cancer, often without the need for any further treatment. Sometimes however, surgery needs to be used together with other treatments, such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy to give the best chance of long-term cure.
When you need treatment for cancer, there is a lot to learn. It's normal to feel confused and scared.
Talking with your doctor and learning about your treatment can help you feel better and more in control.
Video: Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy (SACT)
Link: https://youtu.be/jnei_9TdZ1s
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment where drugs are used to kill cancer cells.
There are many different types of chemotherapy, but they all work in a similar way.
They stop cancer cells from reproducing, which prevents them from growing and spreading in the body.
The most common types are:
- chemotherapy given into a vein (intravenous chemotherapy) – this is usually done in hospital and involves treatment being given through a tube in a vein in your hand, arm or chest
- chemotherapy tablets (oral chemotherapy) – this usually involves taking a course of medication at home, with regular check-ups in hospital
- you may be treated with one type of chemotherapy or a combination of different types.
Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy is a treatment where radiation is used to kill cancer cells. It may be used in the early stages of cancer or after it has started to spread. It can also be used to make other treatments more effective, reduce the risk of the cancer coming back after surgery or relieve symptoms if a cure is not possible.
Radiotherapy can be given in several ways. Your doctors will recommend the best type for you.
The most common types are:
- external radiotherapy, where a machine is used to carefully aim beams of radiation at the cancer
- radiotherapy implants (brachytherapy), where small pieces of radioactive metal are (usually temporarily) placed inside your body near the cancer
- radiotherapy injections, capsules or drinks (radioisotope therapy), where you swallow a radioactive liquid, or have it injected into your blood
Brachytherapy
Brachytherapy (Greek for short-distance therapy) involves implanting tiny pellets similar in size to a grain of rice into the organ or part of the body affected. These seeds give off low-level radiation continuously, with the aim of killing the cancer cells while sparing the surrounding normal tissues as much as possible.
Patient information leaflets
Surgery for cancer
Surgery is a medical procedure that involves removing tissue from the body. It is one of the most commonly used treatments for many types of cancer. You can have surgery to:
- diagnose cancer
- treat cancer (on its own or with other treatments)
- reduce your risk of getting a particular type of cancer (if you already have a high risk)
If identified early enough, surgery can be a curative way of treating cancer, often without the need for any further treatment. Sometimes however, surgery needs to be used together with other treatments, such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy to give the best chance of long-term cure.