Understanding Your Cancer Treatment Options

Hearing the words “you have cancer” can be overwhelming. It's normal to feel scared, confused, and uncertain about what comes next. Many patients and family members have questions about treatment options and what they can expect during the cancer journey.

The good news is that cancer treatment has advanced significantly over the years. Today, many cancers can be treated successfully using surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these approaches.

At North Oaks Health, patients receive care from a team of specialists who work together to develop treatment plans based on each person's unique diagnosis and needs. This collaborative approach brings together oncologists, hematologists, radiologists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to provide care for every stage of your cancer journey.

Understanding Your Cancer Treatment Plan

No two cancer diagnoses are exactly the same. Even patients with the same type of cancer may receive different treatments.

When creating a treatment plan, your care team considers several factors, including:

• The type of cancer you have
• The stage of the cancer
• The size and location of the tumor
• Whether the cancer has spread
• Your overall health
• Your treatment goals and preferences

Your cancer care team may include medical oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, hematologists, nurses, and other specialists who work together to recommend the most effective treatment plan for you.

Surgery: Removing Cancer from the Body

For many patients, surgery is one of the first treatment options considered. The goal of cancer surgery is to remove the tumor and, in some cases, surrounding tissue or lymph nodes.

When Is Surgery Used?

Surgery may be recommended when:

• The cancer is located in one area.
• A tumor can be safely removed.
• A biopsy is needed to confirm a diagnosis.
• Doctors need additional information about the cancer's stage.

For some patients with early-stage cancer, surgery may remove all visible cancer.

Benefits of Surgery

Surgery can:

• Remove cancer directly from the body.
• Help doctors determine the stage of cancer.
• Reduce symptoms caused by a tumor.
• Improve the effectiveness of other treatments.

Chemotherapy: Treating Cancer Throughout the Body

Chemotherapy uses medications to destroy cancer cells or stop them from growing. For many people with cancer, chemotherapy is an important part of treatment, whether it is used alone or combined with other types of cancer treatment such as surgery or radiation therapy.

Unlike surgery, which targets a specific area, chemotherapy travels throughout the body. This allows it to treat cancer cells that may have spread beyond the original tumor. Depending on your diagnosis, chemotherapy may be recommended before surgery, after surgery, or as a primary treatment.

How Is Chemotherapy Given?

Chemotherapy may be administered through:

• An IV infusion
• Oral medications
• Injections

Your treatment schedule will depend on the type and stage of cancer you have, as well as the chemotherapy medications your doctor recommends.

When Is Chemotherapy Recommended?

Chemotherapy may be used:

• Before surgery to shrink a tumor
• After surgery to lower the risk of cancer returning
• Alongside radiation therapy
• As a primary treatment for certain cancers
• For blood cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma

Our Hematology and Oncology teams provide care for patients with these conditions using advanced treatment approaches tailored to each patient's diagnosis and health needs.

What to Expect During Chemotherapy

Starting chemotherapy can feel intimidating, but knowing what to expect may help ease some anxiety. Patients receiving treatment through North Oaks Infusion Services are cared for by experienced registered nurses with specialized training in infusion therapy. The infusion center is designed with patient comfort in mind and features natural light and a calming environment.

Patients may receive:

• Chemotherapy treatments
• Other infusion therapies
• Injections prescribed as part of their treatment plan

In addition to treatment, patients receive one-on-one education and access to resources that can help them better understand their diagnosis, treatment plan, and potential side effects.

Radiation Therapy: Targeting Cancer with Precision

Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells. It is a highly targeted treatment designed to focus on a specific area of the body.

When Is Radiation Therapy Used?

Radiation may be used:

• As a primary cancer treatment
• Before surgery to shrink tumors
• After surgery to destroy remaining cancer cells
• Along with chemotherapy
• To relieve symptoms caused by cancer

Benefits of Radiation Therapy

Many patients benefit from radiation because it:

• Targets cancer precisely
• Helps preserve nearby healthy tissue
• Is generally noninvasive
• Can effectively shrink tumors

Why Some Patients Need More Than One Treatment

Many cancers respond best to a combination of therapies.

For example, a patient may have:

• Surgery to remove a tumor
• Chemotherapy to kill remaining cancer cells
• Radiation therapy to reduce the risk of recurrence

This approach allows each treatment to work together toward the same goal, giving the patient the best possible outcome.

Questions to Ask Your Cancer Care Team

The more informed you are, the more confident you may feel about your treatment.

Consider asking:

• What treatment do you recommend and why?
• What are the potential benefits and risks?
• What side effects should I expect?
• How long will treatment take?
• Will I be able to continue my normal activities?
• What support resources are available for my family and me?

Writing down questions before appointments can help ensure all your concerns are addressed.

Compassionate Care for Every Stage of the Journey

Every cancer journey is unique. That's why finding the right care team is so important.

At North Oaks Health, patients receive coordinated care from oncology and hematology specialists, nurses, dietitians, social workers, and other healthcare professionals who work together to support patients and families throughout treatment and recovery.

Whether treatment involves surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of approaches, patients have access to expert care, education, and resources designed to help them make informed decisions at every stage of their cancer journey.

While a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, understanding the types of treatment options available can help you move forward with confidence. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, the team at North Oaks Health is here to provide personalized, compassionate care every step of the way.

___

Find out more about cancer care at North Oaks Health here.

Meet our Oncology and Hematology teams here.

Explore North Oaks Infusion Services here.

Read about the annual North Oaks Oncology Social here.