The choice of treatment for cancer is influenced by several factors including the cancer type, its stage, the patient’s age, and overall health. There isn’t a universal treatment that works for all cancers or patients. Typically, a combination of therapies is used, along with palliative care when necessary. Treatment modalities include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, and gene therapy.
Surgery, the oldest form of cancer treatment, is employed for localized tumors. It may not be possible to remove the entire growth if the cancer has spread. In such cases, surgery may still be used to reduce tumor size and alleviate symptoms.
Radiation therapy damages cancer cells, leading to their death, but it can also affect normal cells, causing side effects. However, advancements have minimized these effects. Radiation may be used alone or with other treatments like surgery and chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy involves drugs that interfere with cell division, damaging cancer cells’ DNA. Side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, and hair loss. Immunotherapy boosts the body’s immune system to fight tumors, and hormone therapy alters hormone production to stop cancer growth.
Gene therapy is a promising new approach that aims to replace damaged genes causing cancer with healthy ones.
While advances have improved cancer prognosis, treatment for many types remains insufficient. Hopefully, ongoing research will lead to more effective treatments, making all cancers curable in the future.