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Macmillan and Cancerbackup merged in 2008. Together we provide free, high quality information for people affected by cancer through our publications, website and phone service. Find out more|.
Find out how we produce our information|
Treatment can be given with the aim of curing the cancer, controlling it or relieving symptoms. People are often given more than one type of treatment for their cancer. Get detailed information on the drugs or procedures you may have, how and why they are given and the side effects that you might experience.
For information on treatments for specific cancers, please see the relevant cancer type| .
You might like to watch our video about radiotherapy treatment|.
Biological therapies use substances that occur naturally in the body to destroy cancer cells. They include monoclonal antibodies, cancer growth inhibitors, vaccines and gene therapy.
Hormonal therapies alter the way hormones which occur naturally in the body affect cancer cells. They're most commonly used to treat breast and prostate cancer.
Find out about high-dose treatment with stem cell support and allogeneic (donor) stem cell transplants
Surgery may be used to confirm a diagnosis, find out more about a cancer, remove (treat) the cancer or reconstruct part of the body.
There are more than 50 different chemotherapy drugs that may be used alone or in combination. Different drugs cause different side effects and may be given in a variety of ways.
Radiotherapy is the use of high energy rays to destroy cancer cells. It may be used to cure some cancers, to reduce the chance of recurrence or for symptom relief
Supportive therapies can be given in addition to or as part of your main treatment. They include steroids, blood or platelet transfusions and bisphosphonates.
Other cancer treatments that might be used are hyperbaric oxygen therapy, photodynamic therapy (PDT) and radiofrequency ablation.
For answers, support or just a chat, call the Macmillan Support Line free (Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm)
If you have any questions about cancer, need support or just want someone to talk to, ask Macmillan.