It's normal to feel a great burden and fear when you hear the word "cancer." Perhaps you or someone close to you has been diagnosed with this disease. However, it's important to remember that you are not alone at this time. Today, with the advancement of science, there are many effective treatments to cure and control cancer. So today, let's talk about these cancer treatments and find simple answers to the questions you have in mind.
How is cancer treatment decided?
Remember, not all cancers are the same. There are over 100 types of cancer. So the treatment that works for one person may not work for another. Your oncologist will develop a treatment plan based on several factors.
- Type of cancer: What type of cancer it is.
- Cancer Stage: How far the cancer has spread and how severe it is.
- The rate of growth of the cancer: Some cancers spread very quickly. Some grow slowly. This rate also affects treatment decisions.
- Your overall health: Your body's ability to tolerate treatment.
- The goal of treatment: Sometimes the goal may be to cure the cancer completely . Other times, it may be to control the cancer, reduce symptoms, and help you live comfortably (palliative care).
The most important thing is that you understand exactly what treatment plan your doctor is recommending, as well as why that treatment is being given.
What are these cancer treatments?
Doctors usually treat with one treatment method or, more often, a combination of several. Let's take a look at the main treatment methods.
| Treatment Method | Simply put... |
|---|---|
| Surgery | Cutting out and removing the cancerous tumor and a small amount of healthy cells around it. This is the most successful method used for cancers that have not spread to other parts of the body. |
| Radiation Therapy | High-energy radiation (similar to X-rays) is used to destroy cancer cells. This treatment is done either externally using a machine or through a small device inserted into the body. |
| Chemotherapy | This is also called "chemo." Strong drugs (medicines) are given to the body to kill rapidly dividing cancer cells. Because these drugs travel throughout the body through the bloodstream, they are effective even for cancers that have spread. |
| Hormone Therapy | Some types of cancer (e.g. breast, prostate) are caused by hormones in our body that help them grow. This treatment works by blocking the action of those hormones. |
| Immunotherapy | It helps our body's own disease-fighting system (the immune system) recognize and destroy cancer cells. It's like pointing out the enemy to our own soldiers. |
| Targeted Therapy | This is a very special type of medicine. What they do is find the weak points that are unique to cancer cells and attack them only. There is less damage to healthy cells. |
| Bone Marrow Transplant | A procedure used specifically for blood cancers. The diseased bone marrow is removed and healthy bone marrow (either from the patient's own body or from a donor) is reintroduced into the body. |
Some of the words you will hear in the treatment plan
When your doctor speaks, you may use words like these. They simply mean this:
- Primary Treatment: This is the first treatment for your cancer. This will often be surgery.
- Adjuvant Therapy: Treatment given after main treatment (such as chemotherapy or radiation) to prevent the cancer from coming back.
- Neoadjuvant Therapy: Treatment given before the main treatment, such as to shrink the tumor and make surgery easier.
- Local Treatment: Treatment that targets only the site of the cancer (such as surgery or radiation).
- Systemic Treatment: Treatments that work throughout the body. These are used for metastatic cancer (like chemotherapy).
Let's also learn about the side effects of treatments.
When cancer treatments kill cancer cells, they can sometimes harm healthy cells in our bodies. That's why side effects occur. These may sound a little scary, but remember, not everyone gets all of these side effects. And, doctors can now control many of these side effects.
Short-term side effects
These can be seen during treatment and for a short time afterwards.
- Fatigue: This is very common.
- Nausea and vomiting
- Hair loss
- Mouth sores
- Anorexia
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Anemia: This can also cause increased fatigue.
- Decreased immunity: This can lead to rapid development of diseases.
Long-term side effects
Some side effects may appear months or years after treatment ends.
- Heart disease
- Bone and joint pain, thinning of bones (Osteoporosis)
- Nerve damage (Neuropathy): Like numbness in the limbs.
- Infertility
- Memory and attention problems
Your doctor will explain to you before you start treatment what side effects you may experience and how to manage them. So don't be afraid.
Things you can do to make this journey easier
These are challenging times, that's true. But there are things you can do to make this journey a little easier.
1. Be informed: Learn as much as you can about your disease and treatment. Ask your doctor questions. When you know things, unnecessary fears disappear.
2. Ask for help: This is not a journey you should go through alone. Talk to your family and friends. Share your feelings.
3. Eat well: Eat as many nutritious foods as possible. This will help your body gain energy. If necessary, seek the advice of a nutritionist.
4. Support Groups: Talking to others who are going through cancer treatment like you is a great source of strength. Their experiences can be a source of strength for you.
When to call the doctor
During treatment, pay attention to changes in your body. If you develop any new symptoms, or if any existing side effects get worse, tell your doctor right away . For example, if you experience high fever, uncontrollable vomiting or diarrhea, or severe pain, tell your doctor right away. You may be referred to the hospital's Emergency Department (ETU). Once your condition is assessed, your doctor may change your treatment dose or give you medication to control the side effects.
Take-Home Message
- Cancer is a disease that can be largely cured or controlled today, so don't give up hope.
- There is a team of skilled doctors who can help you choose the best treatment for you. Trust them.
- Don't hesitate to ask your doctor any questions you have, no matter how small.
- Side effects may occur, but most of them can be controlled.
- You are not alone on this journey. Your family, friends, and medical team are with you. Get their support.
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