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Common Treatments
Surgery
Surgery is sometimes the first treatment for cancer, especially
breast cancer. At other times it is not recommended and other treatments
might be offered instead of surgery, or before less radical surgery.
Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy uses small, concentrated doses of high-energy X-rays (radiation)
to destroy cancer cells. It is broadly divided into two categories:
palliative or radical. Palliative means the radiotherapy is given to
relieve local symptoms from a tumour, for example to lessen pain, or
stop bleeding or prevent damage to nerves. In radical cases the aim
is to eradicate the tumour, which involves a higher dose of radiotherapy
spread over a longer period.
What are the side effects of radiotherapy?
Early, or acute, side effects come on during or shortly after treatment
and depend on the size and area being treated. They include nausea and
red and itchy skin, like sunburn. Radiotherapy to the mouth and throat
causes soreness, usually at its worst towards the end of treatment but
it can persist afterwards. It's important to keep your mouth clean with
regular toothbrushing, mouthwashing and dental floss. Good nutrition
is vital during radiotherapy and it's best to avoid smoking and alcohol
entirely. You will lose hair within the treatment area. This is usually
temporary but can be permanent. Late side effects develop months or
even years after the end of radiotherapy. They depend on which area
you are having irradiated. For instance, if your salivary glands are
irradiated, you can get dryness of the mouth. Other side effects are
rare but can include: damage to nerves, damage to heart and lungs, damage
to bowel, or even rarer, a secondary malignancy.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a systemic treatment (i.e. treating the whole body)
that uses drugs to destroy cancer cells which may have escaped from
the primary tumour site into the bloodstream. It can be given in pill
form, by injection or by a drip. It is sometimes given in order to try
and shrink large tumours before surgery. Or it can come after surgery
but before radiotherapy.
What are the Side Effects of Chemotherapy?
Possible side effects include mouth ulcers, nausea and vomiting, and
hair loss. People undergoing chemotherapy are also more vulnerable to
infections.
Hormone therapy Hormones are naturally occurring substances that control
the growth and activity of normal cells in the body. A high level of
oestrogen is a risk factor for breast cancer. Several drugs that block
oestrogen and/or its effects are used to treat breast cancer, early
and advanced. Some have been effective in both reducing the risk of
another primary breast cancer developing in the other breast, and in
stopping spread into the body (metastasis). However, side effects are
often unpleasant.
Complementary Therapies
Complementary therapies can help with cancer at any stage, offering
psychological as well as physical benefits. All kinds of treatments
are on offer, some more effective than others depending on individual
needs and responses. Among the most common, aromatherapy, shiatsu and
other types of gentle massage can be very relaxing, so can meditation
and visualisation. Homeopathic and herbal remedies can help with nausea
and other side effects.
Do not attempt to use these therapies if you are already taking other
treatment. Always, in any case seek medical advice.
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