Types of Cancer Treatment

There are lots of different cancer treatment options, and it’s natural to have questions about what each involves. The treatment you receive depends on the type of cancer you have, its stage, and your individual circumstances. Treatments are often used in combination. This page provides an overview of the most common types of cancer treatment, with links to find out more about each one.

Chemotherapy uses medicines that help destroy cancer cells or stop them from growing and dividing, and can be used on its own or alongside other treatments. Find out how chemotherapy works what to expect, and how to prepare for treatment.

Radiotherapy uses targeted radiation to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumours. It is used alone or alongside other treatments, such as chemotherapy or cancer surgery. Read more about radiotherapy, its side effects, and how to look after yourself during treatment.

Surgery is a medical procedure that involves removing cancerous tissue from the body. It is an important treatment for many cancers and may be used alone or as part of a broader treatment plan. Find out more about what cancer surgery involves and what to expect before, during and after your operation.

Immunotherapy works by helping your immune system, your body’s natural defence against illness and infection, locate and attack cancer cells. It is used for a growing number of cancer types. Discover how immunotherapy works and what to expect during and after treatment.

Targeted therapy focuses on specific characteristics of cancer cells that help them grow, and is used when cancer has particular genetic features. Find out about targeted therapy, including how biomarker testing can help identify whether this approach is right for you.

Hormone therapy is used for cancers that are driven by hormones, most commonly certain types of breast and prostate (and some others). It works by blocking or reducing the hormones that fuel cancer growth. Read more about hormone therapy and how to look after yourself throughout treatment.

Depending on the type of cancer, other treatments may also be available, including stem cell or bone marrow transplants for some blood cancers, ablative techniques for certain liver, kidney or lung tumours, and photodynamic therapy for some skin cancers. For some people, clinical trials may also offer access to newer approaches.Your care team can advise whether this is an option for you.

Symptom control, nutrition and supportive care can run alongside all of the active treatments described above, and are an important part of your overall cancer care.