Treatment options
A treatment plan depends on cancer type, stage, biomarkers, overall health, goals and personal preferences. Many people receive more than one treatment.
Surgery
Removes a tumor and sometimes nearby tissue or lymph nodes. It is most useful for localized solid tumors.
Radiation therapy
Uses high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells in a targeted area.
Chemotherapy
Uses medicines that kill or slow fast-growing cells and may travel throughout the body.
Immunotherapy
Helps the immune system recognize or attack cancer. Response and side effects vary.
Targeted therapy
Acts on specific molecules or pathways involved in tumor growth.
Hormone therapy
Blocks or lowers hormones that fuel certain breast, prostate and other cancers.
Stem cell transplant
Restores blood-forming cells after high-dose treatment for certain blood cancers.
Active surveillance
Closely monitors selected slow-growing cancers and treats if the cancer changes.
Palliative care
Relieves symptoms and stress at any stage and can be provided alongside cancer treatment.
Questions for the care team
- What is the goal of this treatment?
- What benefits are expected, and how will we know it works?
- What side effects require an urgent call?
- Are fertility, work, driving or caregiving affected?
- Are clinical trials or a second opinion appropriate?
- What costs and financial assistance should I ask about?
Side-effect safety
Report side effects early; many can be prevented or managed. Never stop, change or combine treatments—including supplements—without speaking with the care team.