Oncology Treatment

Treatment of cancers is vary varied. It usually involves a multidisciplinary team of doctors of many different specialties, as well as nurses, social workers, psychologists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and others. Before spread occurs treatment is often surgical. If a tumour can be removed entirely this is usually the best chance for cure. Examples of cancers where this is done include breast, bowel, skin and lung cancer.

If a tumour has spread or is in a position where surgical removal is not possible the cancer may respond to chemotherapy. This involves giving medications that destroy the cancer cells. They are often powerful medications and may have many side effects that will be carefully monitored for and treated by the oncology team. Another treatment option involves radiation treatment. The cancer is exposed to radiotherapy and the radiation damages the cancer cells. This treatment is coordinated by a radiotherapist.