The choice of treatment depends on the type and location of the cancer, the stage of the disease, the patient's age and general health, and other factors. Many people with cancer want to learn all they can about their disease and their treatment choices so they can take an active part in decisions about their care. The approach to the therapy of cancer depends on the type of cancer and its extent. Surgery - Surgery is local treatment to remove the tumor. Tissue around the tumor and nearby lymph nodes may also be removed during the operation.
Some patients get both kinds of radiation therapy.
Radiation therapies are administered by physicians, radiation oncologists, who have had specialized training. Chemotherapy - Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy is systemic treatment, meaning that the drugs flow through the bloodstream to nearly every part of the body. Hormone Therapy - Some types of cancer, including most breast and prostate cancers, depend on hormones to grow. For this reason, doctors may recommend therapy that prevents cancer cells from getting or using the hormones they need.