Cancer comes in many different forms (over 200 types documented) and can affect anyone. Treatments are just as varied, with several key methods available to tackle different kinds of cancer. This article will look at some of the primary cancer treatments used in modern medicine.
### Surgery
When possible, tumors and cancerous tissues can be removed through surgery. This approach is often taken when cancer hasn’t spread yet, making it easier to remove completely. Early removal of cancerous tissue is now common practice due to our better understanding of the dangers posed even by tiny traces of carcinogenic matter. Often, surgery is the first step in a comprehensive treatment plan that an oncologist will create, which usually involves combining several treatment methods.
Besides its role as a direct treatment, surgery can also help diagnose cancer and determine the best management strategy.
### Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses drugs to target and destroy cancer cells throughout the body. Unlike surgery which is direct and localized, chemotherapy affects the entire body and can significantly impact a person’s well-being. Some common side effects include:
– Weakened immune system, increasing the likelihood of infections.
– Potential organ damage.
– Stomach issues like nausea, vomiting, and abnormal bowel movements, typically lasting about a week after treatment.
– Temporary hair loss.
The side effects occur because the chemotherapy drugs target all rapidly dividing cells, including those in hair follicles, the stomach lining, and bone marrow. The body usually repairs these cells after chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is often used in combination with other treatments.
### Radiotherapy
This treatment uses radiation to target and destroy cancer cells, reducing the size of tumors. While it can also affect healthy tissue, most non-cancerous cells can recover over time. Radiotherapy is generally administered with precision to minimize damage to surrounding healthy tissues. Multiple radiation beams intersect at the tumor site, often guided by CT scans.
Newer techniques use robotic arms to deliver low doses of radiation from various angles, reducing the risk of harming healthy tissues.
### Other Treatments
There are additional treatments commonly used to combat cancer:
– **Immunotherapy:** Utilizes the body’s immune system to target and destroy cancer cells.
– **Targeted Therapy:** Similar to chemotherapy but targets specific elements essential for cancer cell growth.
– **Hormone Treatment:** Alters the body’s hormone levels, either blocking or providing certain hormones to affect cancer growth.
### Recovery
After treatment, patients often benefit from physiotherapy and occupational therapy as cancer can have lasting effects beyond the immediate treatment phase. There is no single cure for cancer; instead, beating it involves many stages. With the right combination of treatments and a good rehabilitation plan, patients can achieve a complete recovery.