Your Cancer
Treatment
Different types of cancer require
different treatments, based on the type of cancer, the extent
of the disease and the general health of the patient. For this
reason, your own treatment cannot be compared to that of
another cancer patient.
Your physician and your treatment care
team will design a treatment plan to meet your needs and the
requirements of your specific form of cancer.
What treatment is best for me?
Your cancer treatment will be based on your
unique situation. Certain types of cancer respond very
differently to different types of treatment. The cancer's
stage (how widespread it is) also partly determines the best
course of treatment, since early-stage cancers respond to
different therapies than later-stage ones. Your overall
health, your lifestyle, and your personal preferences also
play a part in deciding which treatment options are best for
you. Not all types of treatment will be effective in your
situation, so be sure that you understand your options. Do not
be afraid to ask questions; it is your right to know what
treatments are most likely to help you, and what their side
effects may be.
Goals
All treatments at our facility are directed
at:
- Curing cancer
- Preventing the recurrence of
cancer
- Relieving or preventing the
symptoms associated with cancer (palliative care)
Before starting treatment, ask about the goal
of treatment. Is the purpose of the treatment to cure cancer,
control it, or treat the symptoms? Sometimes the goal of
treatment can change.
Depending on these factors, you may receive
one or more of the following:
- surgery
- chemotherapy
- biological therapy
- radiation therapy
- targeted therapies
- hormonal therapy