1. Health
About.com
Cancer

Cancer Treatment

By , About.com Guide

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.
  1. Surgery
  2. Chemotherapy and Other Medications
  3. Radiation Therapy
  4. Managing Treatment Side Effects
  5. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

See more newsletters

©2013 About.com. All rights reserved.

We comply with the HONcode standard
for trustworthy health information: verify here.