Treatment plans
While the goal is always to achieve total remission when developing a cancer treatment plan with your doctor, you have options that may shrink your cancer, slow its growth or help you live symptom-free for as long as possible.
Primary treatment
The primary treatment plan is designed to completely remove the cancer from your body or prevent it from spreading.
Adjuvant treatment
The goal of adjuvant therapy is to stop any remaining cancer cells after primary treatment to reduce the risk of the cancer returning.
Palliative treatment
Palliative treatment is meant to relieve symptoms and control side effects to improve a patient’s overall quality of life.
Therapy options
Not all cancers are treated the same way. Your therapy options will depend on the type and stage of your cancer, overall health and personal preferences. Together, you and your doctor can weigh the benefits and risks of each therapy to determine which is best for you.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses medications that are given by IV or taken by mouth. They travel throughout your body to stop tumor cells from spreading from the original (primary) tumor.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy uses your own immune system to fight cancer by boosting or changing how the immune system works to attack cancer cells.
Targeted therapy
Targeted therapy uses medication or other substances to identify and attack certain types of cancer cells while not affecting your healthy cells.
Hormonal therapy
Hormones are chemicals that carry messages throughout the body. Since some cancers rely on hormones to grow, your doctor may prescribe hormone-blocking or hormone-altering medications to slow or stop the progression of cancer cells.
While anticancer medications destroy cancer-causing cells, they can also harm your body's normal cells. Each anticancer medicine can have different side effects.
Lifestyle changes
You have the power to continue a fulfilling life by doing the activities you enjoy. You can make several lifestyle changes to help manage the disease’s progression and symptoms.
Avoid harmful behaviors
Stay away from smoking, drinking alcohol and using illicit drugs. These substances can interfere with your treatment plan and weaken your immune system.
Eat a healthy diet
Focus on eating a heart-healthy, anti-inflammatory diet to reduce symptoms and the chance of other health complications.
Stay active
Exercise is great for your overall health and may slow the disease’s progression. Before starting, consult your doctor to find an appropriate activity level.
Get regular checkups and screenings
Schedule regular checkups, screenings, immunizations and dental appointments. Doing so can help identify potential problems or complications.
Know which meds to take
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting new medications, including over-the-counter products, herbal meds and supplements.
