Image: COURTESY
Cancer has remained one of the deadliest diseases globally, prompting continuous advancements in medical research to combat it effectively.
Early detection through regular cancer screening is crucial, as it allows for timely intervention when treatment is most effective.
Here's an overview of different types of cancer and their treatment options:
Breast Cancer
- Treatments: Surgery (lumpectomy, mastectomy), radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy (e.g., tamoxifen), targeted therapy (e.g., trastuzumab for HER2-positive cancers).
Lung Cancer
- Treatments: Surgery (lobectomy, pneumonectomy), radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy (e.g., EGFR or ALK inhibitors), immunotherapy (e.g., nivolumab, pembrolizumab).
Prostate Cancer
- Treatments: Surgery (prostatectomy), radiation therapy, hormone therapy (androgen deprivation therapy), chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy (e.g., sipuleucel-T).
Colorectal Cancer (Colon)
- Treatments: Surgery (colectomy), radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy (e.g., bevacizumab), immunotherapy (checkpoint inhibitors).
Skin Cancer (Melanoma)
- Treatments: Surgery (excision), radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy (e.g., BRAF inhibitors), immunotherapy (checkpoint inhibitors).
Bladder Cancer
- Treatments: Surgery (cystectomy), radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy (e.g., BCG vaccine, checkpoint inhibitors).
Kidney Cancer
- Treatments: Surgery (nephrectomy), radiation therapy, targeted therapy (e.g., VEGF or mTOR inhibitors), immunotherapy (checkpoint inhibitors).
Leukemia (Blood)
- Treatments: Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy (e.g., imatinib), immunotherapy (e.g., CAR T-cell therapy), stem cell transplant.
Lymphoma (Lymphatic System)
- Treatments: Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy (e.g., rituximab), immunotherapy (checkpoint inhibitors), stem cell transplant.
Pancreatic Cancer
- Treatments: Surgery (Whipple procedure), radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy (e.g., EGFR inhibitors), immunotherapy (checkpoint inhibitors).
General Approaches in Cancer Treatment:
- Surgery: Removing the tumor surgically.
- Radiation Therapy: Using high-energy particles to destroy cancer cells.
- Chemotherapy: Administering drugs to kill cancer cells or stop their growth.
- Targeted Therapy: Using drugs that specifically target cancer cells.
- Immunotherapy: Boosting the body's immune system to fight cancer.
- Hormone Therapy: Blocking hormones that fuel certain cancers.
- Stem Cell Transplant: Replacing damaged bone marrow with healthy cells.
Each treatment approach is tailored to the type and stage of cancer, aiming to maximize effectiveness while minimizing side effects.
Regular medical check-ups and early intervention remain critical in improving cancer outcomes.
