CHEMOTHERAPY

Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs that are toxic to cancer cells. This treatment method remains a mainstay of anti-cancer therapy. Depending on the type of cancer under treatment and choice of chemotherapy drugs, therapy may be at administered via intravenous or oral. While the use of chemotherapy is often associated with side effects, when placed in good hands, used in appropriate combinations and with appropriate medications to counter the negative effects, such side effects can often be minimised. Chemotherapy can be compatible with a good quality of life.

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Other therapeutic & preventive methods

Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy involves the use of anti-cancer medications that are able to specifically attack cancer cells while minimising damage to normal cells of the body thereby lessening the side effects. This ability to distinguish between cancer cells and normal cells makes targeted therapy an increasingly attractive treatment option.

Hormonal Therapy
The growth of certain cancers, such as breast and prostate cancers, are driven by the hormones of our bodies. Hormonal treatment involves the use of medications or other methods to counter the stimulatory effects of hormones on cancer growth and survival.

Biological Therapy
Antibodies are the natural targeted defence that our bodies produce. These bind to bacteria and viruses that attack our bodies and direct our other body defence systems to attack these ‘foreign’ elements while minimising harm to the normal cells. Advances in medicine have resulted in the design of artificially produced antibodies with the ability to specifically attack cancer cells. Several such antibodies are successfully in use in cancer treatment.

Immuno Therapy
Our immune system has the natural ability to detect and destroy abnormal cells including cancer cells. Immunotherapy involves the use of drugs that work in tandem with our immune system to attack cancer cells.

Cancer Screening
Cancers are best treated at an early stage when the likelihood of a complete cure is at its highest. Laboratory, X-ray and other investigations conducted with the aim of early cancer diagnosis are best guided by a cancer physician after a detailed interview and discussion. This facilitates best results from an approach tailored according to individual risk profiles.

Cancer Genetic and Risk Assessment
Certain cancers are hereditary in nature. A history of multiple members of the family diagnosed with cancer should prompt an early assessment of the likelihood of an inherited tendency towards cancer development and genetic testing if required.

Cancer Prevention
Certain personal, hereditary or lifestyle conditions may increase the risk of developing cancer. Where necessary, treatment can be provided to reduce the associated risk. After all, prevention is better than cure.