How is cancer treated

There are numerous methods used to treat cancer. The aim of any treatment is to remove cancerous cells, making sure the cancer does not return. This can be challenging; even if just one cancerous cell remains after treatment, it has the potential to create a new tumour.
The main techniques used to treat cancer are listed below.

Surgery

This is a common treatment option; however, the type of surgery a person has and when they have it depends on which cancer it is and what stage it is at. Surgery removes the tumour and some normal tissue surrounding it. This is then sent to a laboratory and the results help doctors to decide whether any further treatment is needed, such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy. 
Read more information about surgery and other treatments for cancers, including bowel, breast, lung, cervical and uterine cancer.

Chemotherapy

In chemotherapy, medicine is used to kill cancer cells. It can be given either as a tablet or directly into a vein, via an injection or infusion. There are over 50 different forms of chemotherapy medication that can be used to treat hundreds of cancer types.

Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy, also known as radiation treatment, treats many forms of cancer. It can be given outside the body by using X-rays, or inside the body via a liquid that is either swallowed or injected, or by putting radioactive material in or close to the tumour. About 4 out of 10 people with cancer have radiotherapy.

Hormonal therapy

Hormone therapy works by lowering the levels of hormones in your body or by stopping their effects. Prostate cancer in particular needs testosterone to grow, and some breast cancers are stimulated by oestrogen or progesterone.

Monoclonal antibodies

Monoclonal antibodies are designed to directly target and attack cancer cells. This is why monoclonal antibody therapy can sometimes be referred to as targeted therapy. How often you have treatment and how many treatments you need will depend on which monoclonal antibody you have and the type of cancer.

Immunotherapy

This involves taking medicines that encourage the immune system to attack cancerous cells. It is often used in the treatment of kidney cancer.

Angiogenesis inhibitor therapy

Angiogenesis inhibitor drugs interfere with the development of blood vessels that deliver nutrients and oxygen, which tumours need to survive.

Alternative and complementary therapies

These are treatments used alongside recommended conventional medical treatments. They include homeopathy, ayurvedic medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, herbal therapies, psychological therapies, spiritual therapies, support groups, relaxation and meditation, diets and reflexology.