If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure about the next steps. Thankfully, there are many effective cancer treatments available to patients today. Whether you're just starting your cancer journey or interested in learning more, here's what you need to know to help you feel empowered and informed.
1. Traditional Cancer Treatments
When most people think of cancer treatment, they imagine traditional methods like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. These treatments have been used for decades and remain the most common way to treat cancer. Chemotherapy uses drugs to destroy cancer cells, while radiation therapy uses high-energy particles to kill cancer cells. Surgery involves removing the cancerous tumor or tissue from the body. These treatments may be used alone or in combination with one another.
2. Alternative Cancer Treatments
Alternative cancer treatments are those that are not considered standard medical treatments. These may include things like:
While some alternative treatments may help reduce symptoms or improve quality of life, there is little scientific evidence to suggest that they can cure cancer. The idea is to use them in conjunction with traditional cancer treatment options for a holistic approach to cancer care. It's important to talk to your doctor before trying any alternative treatments.
3. Experimental Cancer Treatments:
Experimental cancer treatments are still being tested and not yet approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These may include clinical trials of new drugs, gene therapy, or immunotherapy, which uses the body's own immune system to fight cancer. While experimental treatments may offer potential benefits, they also have risks and uncertainties. Patients who are interested in participating in clinical trials should discuss the pros and cons with their doctors.
4. Complementary Cancer Treatments:
Complementary cancer treatments are those that are used alongside traditional medical treatments. These may include massage therapy or yoga to help manage symptoms like pain, stress, or anxiety. Complementary treatments may also help improve the quality of life during cancer treatment.
Many types of cancer treatment are available to patients today, and it's important to understand your options and make informed decisions about your care. Traditional cancer treatments like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery remain the most common ways to treat cancer. Still, alternative, experimental, and complementary cancer treatment may also play a role in your care. Discussing your options with your doctor and asking questions can help you feel empowered and informed as you navigate your cancer journey. Every patient is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. Trust your medical team and do what's best for your health and well-being.
For more information on cancer treatment, contact a professional near you.
Share8 June 2023
My name is Katie Langer. For a long time, I was bed ridden and I felt like I had no control over my life. I simply went along with what was instructed by my doctor and I didn't ask questions. It wasn't that my doctor wasn't willing to work with me, but I preferred to simply not think about the illness I was suffering from. I didn't realize that some of the symptoms I was suffering from were side effects of my medication and were not normal. After communicating more with my doctor, I was able to alleviate my symptoms. Since then, I've taken an interest in patient-doctor relationships and how to improve them.
