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Cancer treatment: What else do we need to know?
 Cancer treatment guidelines: Page #2
The optimal cancer
treatment is when it is detected early and is able to be removed
surgically. However, sometimes cancers are located in places that
make surgery impractical, such as deep in the brain. Also, some
cancers have already spread making removal of the original tumor
impossible. Sometimes, doctors may give additional therapy such as
radiation treatment to eliminate cancer cells in nearby lymph nodes,
or chemotherapy or hormone therapy to eliminate cancer cells
throughout the entire body. Thus, cancer treatment referred to as
adjuvant therapy is frequently used in breast, colon, head and
neck cancers.
People are
frequently referred to cancer treatment centers which specialize in
the treatment of cancer. These centers are staffed with doctors and
other health-care practitioners who have expertise in treating this
specific disease. These treatment centers often offer drugs and
cancer treatment programs that are at the forefront of research into
possible new treatment approaches.
Some people are
even offered the opportunity to participate in clinical trials or
research studies revealing the effectiveness of new medical
treatments. Although these cancer treatments may be experimental,
they are usually carefully monitored by the review boards of
universities and hospitals. The safety measures involved usually
require that individuals receive care at hospitals or medical centers
while participating in these clinical research trials.
Sometimes, people
seek alternative cancer treatments or a combination of alternative and
conventional medicine treatment. Although some alternative therapies
have been found to be helpful, people should not rely on them to the
exclusion of proven effective conventional therapies. You should
always discuss this issue with your doctor when pursuing alternative
cancer treatments.
Some older people
prefer not to undergo any cancer treatment, other than to relieve pain
and suffering. These decisions are often appropriate when the cancer
cannot be cured and the treatment is likely to cause side effects. A
person may choose to participate in enjoyable activities and travel
while feeling well, rather than always feeling ill due to the
treatments. These decisions should always be made with full
information about the risks and benefits of cancer treatment options,
and require careful consultation and discussion with a knowledgeable
cancer specialist.
Some information
from The Merck Manual of Health of Aging
Additional
information and web page by
Paul Susic M.A. Licensed Psychologist
Ph.D. Candidate (Health Psychology)
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