Types of Cancer Treatments
Understanding cancer treatment
Cancer treatment is tailored to each person's diagnosis and , health history, and treatment goals. Advances in research have led to more treatment options, allowing doctors to choose therapies that are most likely to work for a specific cancer.
Treatment may be used to:
- Remove or destroy all the cancer cells.
- Reduce the chance that the cancer will come back.
- Slow or stop cancer growth.
- Relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.
- Help people live longer with cancer.
Many people receive more than one type of treatment. For example, surgery may be followed by medication or radiation therapy. Your care team will work with you to create a treatment plan based on the type and of cancer, pathology and results, genetic testing results, your overall health, and your personal preferences.
Types of cancer treatment
Doctors often use a combination of approaches to treat cancer. Common type of cancer treatment include:
The section on biomarkers explains how these tests can help guide cancer treatment based on individual traits of the cancer.
Developing a treatment plan
The approach to treating cancer depends on several factors including:
- type of cancer
- of cancer
- how quickly the cancer is growing and how aggressive it is
- presence or absence of certain biomarkers
- genetic testing result
- age and health of the patient
Many treatment plans combine different approaches to improve outcomes. The treatments used depend on the cancer type, , and individual factors.
Yes. Treatment plans may be adjusted based on how the cancer responds, new test results, symptoms or side effects, new research findings or the availability of new therapies.
Many people seek a second opinion before starting treatment, especially when facing a new diagnosis or a complex treatment decision. A second opinion can help confirm a diagnosis, review treatment options, provide access to additional expertise and provide you with peace of mind. Not all health plans cover second opinions, so check with the facility when you call for an appointment. They should be able to contact your insurance company to let you know if the visit and any tests ordered will be covered.
If you are considering a second opinion:
- Look for a specialist or cancer center with expertise in your type of cancer. If you are considering a clinical trial, you may want to look at studies enrolling people your type of cancer. Visit our research section to view tips on how to find clinical trials.
- Ask your healthcare team for copies of your medical records. These may include pathology reports, imaging results, laboratory test results, testing results, and genetic testing reports. The doctor providing your second opinion may also request access to tissue samples from previous biopsies or surgeries, as well as images or recordings from scans and other tests.
- The process for obtaining these records varies by health system. Some hospitals allow you to send records directly to another provider through an online patient portal. Others may require you to complete authorization forms or pick up imaging files or tissue samples in person. If you have already scheduled a second opinion appointment, the office of the specialist you will be seeing may be able to help coordinate the transfer of records and test materials.
- Check with your health insurance provider to learn about coverage and any referral requirements. The office of the specialist you will be seeing may also be able to check with your health insurance company about coverage for the visit.
- Prepare a summary of your medical history and a list of questions you may have about your diagnosis, treatment options, possible side effects, and expected outcomes.
- Compare the recommendations from your first and second opinion providers and discuss any differences with each care team.
Depending on the , the type of cancer, and the of disease, genetic test results may affect treatment decisions. For some people, an may influence surgical choices, eligibility for certain targeted therapies, immunotherapies or clinical trials, and other aspects of care.
Visit our section with information by gene to learn how specific inherited mutations may affect cancer treatment and management options.
Cancer cells can produce different types of abnormal substances, called biomarkers (or tumor markers). Biomarkers may be found within or around tumors, in blood, urine and other body fluids. They can provide clues about how a cancer will behave or whether certain treatments are likely to work. Read more in our section on testing.
Clinical trials may provide you with access to new therapies and help advance cancer research. Ask your healthcare team whether a clinical trial may be appropriate for your situation or visit our FORCE Search and Enroll Tool to search for studies enrolling by cancer diagnosis, , or genetic test result.
Some clinical trials will cover the cost for travel, so if you find a study that may require travel, reach out to the study team contact to learn which expenses may be covered.
