Types of treatment

Find out about the different ways of treating cancer, and what to expect from your treatment.

Surgery

Surgery is when a surgeon removes all or part of the cancer. It can be used to treat many types of cancer.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy drugs are used to treat many different types of cancer. They are most commonly given into a vein or as tablets or capsules.
Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy uses high-energy rays (radiation) to treat cancer.
Hormonal therapies
Some cancers depend on hormones to grow. Find out about different hormonal therapies and how they work.
Targeted therapy

Targeted therapies are drugs that find and attack cancer cells. There are many different types of targeted therapy.
Immunotherapy

Discover Macmillan's information on immunotherapy treatments. Learn how immunotherapy is used to treat cancer.
Histology independent therapies (HITs)

HITs are a new type of cancer treatment. They are drugs used to treat cancers that have a certain gene change. Larotrectinib (Vitrakvi®) and entrectinib (Rozlytrek®) are the 2 HIT drugs currently available.
Supportive and other treatments
Other treatments can be used as part of the main cancer treatment and to treat side effects.
Stem cell and bone marrow transplants

Stem cell and bone marrow transplants are sometimes used to treat types of cancer including leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma.

Clinical trials

Some people are offered a clinical trial as part of their cancer treatment. Find out more about this type of research and what it involves.
Alternative therapies
Many alternative therapies claim to treat or even cure cancer. But no alternative therapies have ever been proven to cure cancer or slow its growth.

How we can help

Macmillan Support Line
The Macmillan Support Line is a free and confidential phone service for people living and affected by cancer. If you need to talk, we'll listen. 

 

Call us on 0808 808 00 00
8am to 8pm. It's free to call from landlines and mobiles within the UK.
Email us
Get in touch via this form
Chat online
Every day 8am - 8pm.
Online Community

Chat online anonymously to others who understand what you are going through. Our community is available 24/7 and has dedicated forums where you can get advice and ask our experts.
Help in your area
What's going on near you? Find out about support groups, where to get information and how to get involved with Macmillan where you live.