Making treatment decisions
Your doctors may tell you there are different options for your treatment. Having the right information will
help you make the right decision for you.
Surgery
Surgery involves removing the cancer with an operation. It is an important treatment for many cancers.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses drugs to treat many different types of cancer. It is most commonly given as an injection
into a vein or as tablets or capsules.
Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy is the use of high-energy rays, usually x-rays and similar rays (such as electrons) to treat
cancer.
Targeted (biological) therapies
Targeted (biological) therapies can change cells to treat cancer.
After treatment
You have regular check-ups and necessaries test after treatment. Your Doctors will advise you on managing
the different effects of treatment.
Why Do Cancers Come Back?
When you are first diagnosed with cancer, treatment is usually given to try to get rid of the
cancer. Your doctor will decide which type of treatment you need. They will use a treatment
or combination of treatments to help reduce the chances of any cancer cells remaining.
Unfortunately, cancer cells are sometimes left behind after treatment. If this happens, the
cancer may come back. This can happen years after your initial treatment. Cancer can come
back in the same area of the body or somewhere else in the body. Cancer that returns:
1)In the same area of the body is known as a local recurrence
2)In a different part of the body is called a metastasis or secondary cancer.
Usually, treatment is used to control the cancer when it comes back. It is sometimes possible
to use treatment to try and get rid of the cancer.
