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 uses drugs to treat many different types of cancer. It is most commonly given as an injection into a vein or as tablets or capsules.
Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy uses high-energy rays to treat cancer.
Hormonal therapies
Some cancers depend on hormones to grow. Find out about different hormonal therapies and how they work.
Targeted therapies

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

Immunotherapy treatments use the immune system to find and attack cancer cells.
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.

Supportive and other treatments
Other treatments can be used as part of the main cancer treatment and to treat side effects.
Clinical trials
Many people are offered a trial as part of treatment. Find out more to help you decide if a trial is right for you.
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 Cancer Support Line
The Macmillan Support Line offers confidential support to people living with cancer and their loved ones. If you need to talk, we'll listen.
0808 808 00 00
7 days a week, 8am - 8pm
Email us
Get in touch via this form
Chat online
7 days a week, 8am - 8pm
Online Community
An anonymous network of people affected by cancer which is free to join. Share experiences, ask questions and talk to people who understand.
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.