Cancer treatment can involve one or several different treatments. Surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy are standard methods of treatment in many types of cancer. Before you begin any treatment regimen, you should become aware of what to expect, side effects, and the risks and benefits of treatment. The more educated you are about your cancer treatment, the better you can communicate with your healthcare team and be proactive in your treatment decisions.
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy and Other Medications
- Radiation Therapy
- Managing Treatment Side Effects
- Clinical Trials
Surgery
Surgery is often recommended for many types of cancer. Primarily, surgery is done to treat cancer, but can also serve as a prevention and diagnostic tool. Preparing for surgery can help you to become a more confident patient and also contribute to a timely recovery.- How to Find a Great Surgeon
- Dealing with Your Surgery Anxiety
- 10 Things to Tell Your Anesthesiologist
Chemotherapy and Other Medications
Chemotherapy is another widely used type of cancer treatment. It is often combined with another therapy, like surgery or radiation therapy, to ensure treatment success. While chemotherapy and other treatment medications can be common, they aren't for everyone.- What is Chemotherapy and How Does It Work?
- The Side Effects of Chemotherapy: What to Expect
- What Does Palliative Chemotherapy Mean?
- Dealing With Sun Exposure During Chemotherapy
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is also an option for treating cancer. This type of treatment uses certain types of high energy beams to shrink tumors or eliminate cancer cells. It is not effective in all types of cancer and isn't meant for everyone.- What is Radiation Therapy?
- Side Effects of Radiation Therapy
- Managing Skin Problems from Radiation Therapy
- Video: What is HDR Brachytherapy?
- Video: What is CyberKnife Stereotactic Radiosurgery?
- How to Manage the Effects of Radiation Therapy
Managing Treatment Side Effects
Treatment for cancer can include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Many times it is a combination of two or three types, which can compromise your quality of life, both physically and mentally.- How to Combat Fatigue
- Coping with Nausea: Tips for Relief
- Hairloss: What You Can and Cannot Do to Help It
- The Sexual Side Effects of Chemotherapy
- Taste Changes During Chemotherapy
- How to Keep a Symptom Diary
- Uterine Transplants for Women Left Sterile By Cancer Treatment
Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are research studies conducted with volunteers, who participate for a variety of reasons, mainly when their body has stopped responding to treatment or when no treatment is available. Before beginning a clinical trial, you should consider a few issues.- Clinical Trials for Beginners
- Types and Phases of Clinical Trials
- How to Find a Cancer Clinical Trial
- Who Pays for Clinical Trials?
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