Understanding cancer treatment

The treatment plan for cancer depends on individual, type of cancer and many other factors. First, the medical expert looks into the diagnosed tumour results and plans a treatment for the patient. Some of the important treatment options include chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery. Sometimes, a combination of two or three of these treatments is needed for effectiveness of the treatment. Each of these treatments has both benefits and side effects; hence,the doctor discusses it with the patient and his family before proceeding. No matter what the diagnosis is, it is always good to have second opinions.

Some of the treatments used for cancer are –

Chemotherapy –

It is the use of drugs to destroy cancer cells. These drugs interfere with the growth of tumours and can shrink or eliminate the cancer cells. Chemotherapy is an effective treatment, but causes side effects as the drugs can affect healthy cells too. Side effects include nausea, fatigue, vomiting and depression. Chemotherapy is done in a specific number of cycles for a period of time.

Surgery –

It involves the removal of cancercells from the body through surgery. Surgery is a primary treatment for many cancers. Sometimes, it is the only cure too and there are no major side effects except pain.

 Radiation Therapy –

Here, high energy x-rays are used to destroy cancer cells. It is used along with surgery to shrink tumours before the operation. Radiation therapy can be given both externally and internally. Radiation can damage normal cells causing many side effects like swelling and alopecia. Some long-term side effects are infertility, neurologic and thyroid problems.

Hormone Therapy –

It helps the body fight cancer by changing the amount of hormones in the body. Hormone therapy is used in prostate, breast and reproductive system cancers.

Immunotherapy –

This procedure stimulates the disease fighting method in the patient's body. Immunotherapieslike monoclonal antibodies are being researched for better effects.

Studies are also being done for cancer vaccines;let us hope for the best.