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Treatment types

There are several types of cancer treatment. Because each cancer is unique, people may have different treatment, even if their cancer type is the same.

Cancer treatments may be used on their own or in combination. Doctors will recommend the best treatment for you based on the type and stage of cancer, its genetic make-up, and your age, general health and preferences. 

You will likely be treated by a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) of health professionals that specialise in different aspects of your care. 

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells. 

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Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy uses a controlled dose of radiation to kill or damage cancer cells.

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Surgery

Surgery is a procedure that removes cancer or repairs a part of the body affected by cancer. 

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Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a treatment that uses the body’s own immune system to fight cancer.

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Targeted therapy

Targeted therapy is a drug treatment that targets specific features of cancer cells.

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Hormone therapy

Hormone therapy aims to stop the body’s natural hormones from helping some cancers to grow.

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Palliative care

Palliative care helps people with advanced cancer to live as fully and as comfortably as possible.

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Clinical trials

Your doctor may suggest you take part in a clinical trial. Doctors run clinical trials to test new or modified treatments and ways of diagnosing disease to see if they are better than current methods.

Over the years, trials have improved treatments and led to better outcomes for people with cancer. Talk to your specialist, clinical trials nurse or GP, or ask for a second opinion. If you decide to take part in a clinical trial, you can withdraw at any time.

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Questions about cancer?

Call or email our experienced cancer nurses for information and support.

Contact a cancer nurse