Accurate diagnosis of cancer is the first step in cancer treatment. Treatment options vary according to the type of cancer, as well as the level of spread of the cancer. For this reason, it is also necessary to perform the correct staging of the correctly diagnosed cancer.
There are different treatment options depending on the type and stage of cancer. In addition to the treatment protocols, the appropriate one is preferred considering the patient’s age, general condition, and whether there is an additional disease. In some types of cancer, several of these treatments may be used together.
Cancer treatment is a treatment that should be done carefully and the patient should be well informed before treatment. Some can have serious side effects. For this reason, there is a need for good follow-up of the patient, early precautions against possible side effects, and additional supportive treatments.
Commonly used cancer treatment methods include:
Table of contents
Chemotherapy :
Drugs used to destroy cancer cells. It can also be used in conjunction with surgical treatment, radiotherapy or hormonal therapy. While it affects cancer cells, it also has effects on normal body cells. For this reason, side effects such as fever, hair loss, mouth sores, deterioration in blood levels, infections due to weakened immune system are seen. There are different treatment protocols for each cancer type and stage. The one that is suitable for the patient is applied as a cure.
Radiotherapy:
It has long been known that some types of cancer are sensitive to x-rays. It is aimed to shrink the tumor by applying a certain dose and number of radiation on it. It can also damage normal body cells other than the tumor. Therefore, other body cells must be well protected. It is applied in radiation oncology units. Although not as much as chemotherapy, side effects can be seen. It can also be used in conjunction with other treatment methods.
Surgical treatment:
The main goal is to remove the surgical tissue from the body. Radical surgery options are preferred so that no cancer cells are left behind. It is generally preferred in cancer types and stages that are limited to the primary cancer focus and do not spread. Sometimes it can be used to relieve the patient in advanced cancers and to allow other treatment options.
Hormone therapy:
Cancers such as breast and prostate cancer are sensitive to hormones. In these cancers, hormone therapy can be applied, mostly in combination with other treatment options, in order to shrink and suppress the tumor.
Palliative treatment:
In cases where the cancer cannot be cured completely, palliative treatment is applied in order to relieve the patient, make him/her feel good, and continue his/her life. Treatment, psychological support, etc. is applied for the symptoms that disturb the patient such as pain.
Alternative methods:
Complementary or alternative treatment options can be added to the treatment plan in order to support chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgical treatment methods and to strengthen the patient’s immune system. It is not curative on its own. Methods with proven effectiveness and under expert control can be preferred.
Immunotherapy:
Biological treatments applied by strengthening the patient’s immune system. Recent studies offer different options. Cancer vaccines, interferon, colony stimulating factors, monoclonal antibodies are some of them.
Cancer Prevention:
Precautions to be taken before cancer occurs prevent cancer formation. Some measures that can reduce the risk of developing cancer include:
- Using tobacco and tobacco products,
- Avoid excessive sun exposure
- Eat a balanced diet, choose fruits and vegetables, whole grain products,
- Do regular exercise
- Control your weight, don’t be underweight or overweight
- Stay away from alcohol
- Get your cancer screenings done on time,
- Get vaccinated against diseases that may cause cancer (hepatitis B etc.),
- Stay away from environmental risk factors (air pollution, chemicals, asbestos, etc.).