Thanks to advances in medicine and technology, there have never been more treatment options for cancer than there are today. While this is certainly a good thing, it can also leave people feeling overwhelmed and confused when it comes time to choose a treatment plan.
Choosing a Cancer Treatment
Common Types of Cancer Treatments
When it comes to curing cancer, there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all treatment plan. Depending on where your cancer is located and how advanced it is (how far it has spread), one or several of the below options may be used.
- Surgery: Some tumors can be surgically removed from the body, thereby preventing the cancer from spreading.
- Radiation Therapy: High doses of radiation can be used to shrink a tumor or kill cancerous cells.
- Chemotherapy: This type of therapy involves using drugs to kill cancerous cells.
- Immunotherapy: By manipulating the immune system, immunotherapy uses a person’s own immune system to attack and kill cancerous cells.
- Targeted Therapy: By targeting the changes in cancer cells that help them to grow, divide, and spread, targeted therapy can prevent cancer from spreading.
Choosing the Best Treatment
Choosing your type of treatment center and plan is no doubt a difficult decision. And while it’s important to make your decision in a timely manner, it doesn’t have to be done overnight. Instead, take the time to research your options.
Listen to your oncologist.
Some patients want to leave their treatment plan completely in their doctor’s hands, while others want to be involved in the decision-making process. It’s important to tell your doctor which route you prefer.
When it comes to your treatment plan, your oncologist is one of the most knowledgeable people, so it’s important to take their suggestions seriously.
Consider a second opinion.
Cancer is a complicated disease that sometimes requires a complicated treatment plan. Even if you believe your oncologist has prepared an appropriate treatment plan, there’s nothing wrong with reaching out to other doctors in your area for a second opinion.
Consult your support group.
Many cancer patients join a support group after their diagnosis. Not only do these groups ease the emotional toll cancer can take on a person, but they give you insight into other hospitals, doctors, and treatment plans. Especially if you’re considering a second opinion, don’t be afraid to ask people in your group for recommendations and reviews.
Beverly Oncology & Imaging offers state-of-the-art medical technology with greater convenience than hospitals can offer. We are leaders in our field, using cutting-edge technology like Rotating Gamma Technology™, External Beam therapy, and brachytherapy. Contact us today to discuss treatment options or to make an appointment.