Cancer is a life-threatening disease which affects millions of people around the globe every year. It is a condition that occurs due to the abnormal multiplication of mutated cells, resulting in a tumor or malignant growth. Let’s take a look at some of the most common cancer treatments available today.

Common treatments for cancer

Cancer claims millions of lives worldwide, which is why a lot of research is being conducted to look for new and better treatments. Today, many types of cancer treatments are available. The type of treatment suggested by the oncologist depends upon the type of cancer a patient has. The treatment option recommended will also depend upon the stage of cancer. In the advanced stages, one may require more than one type of treatment. The doctor will usually suggest a combination of treatments based on a patient’s condition after looking at various diagnostic reports.

The most common types of cancer treatments are:

Surgery

Surgery is one of the most common treatments for cancer. Here, the doctor removes the malignant tumor surgically. Once the cancerous cells are removed from the body, and the biopsy report comes clean, the person suffering from cancer can lead a normal life. A doctor should be consulted to know what can be expected before, during, and after surgery.

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy is a type of cancer treatment where the doctor uses high doses of radiation to kill cancerous cells and shrink tumors. A machine projects radiation internally or externally at the part of the body affected by cancer, and the high energy rays kill the cancerous growth present in the body.

Chemotherapy

Here, medications are used to hinder the growth of cancer cells or kill them. Any cell that multiplies rapidly is killed with the help of chemotherapy. Usually, chemotherapy is used in combination with other treatments.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy either helps the immune system identify and attack the cancerous cells directly or boosts and stimulates the immune system in a general way. Immunotherapy is also commonly used in combination with other cancer treatments.

Targeted therapy

Most forms of targeted therapy involve the use of medications that interfere with special proteins which help cancer cells grow and spread.

Hormone therapy

This therapy is suitable for cancers that use hormones to grow. Breast cancer and prostate cancer can be treated with the help of this therapy.

Stem cell transplant

This procedure is usually used to restore the stem cells which form blood as most blood-forming stem cells are destroyed due to radiation or chemotherapy given to patients. It may have some side effects, and so, it is highly advisable to consult a doctor and understand these effects carefully.

Most people with cancer have to undergo a combination of these treatments, depending on the need and the stage of cancer. Most often, surgery followed by chemotherapy is suggested by the doctor, but in complicated cases, other methods may be recommended.