Modern Australian
Men's Weekly

.

The Different Types of Cancer Treatment


It’s thought that around ne in every two people will receive a cancer diagnosis at some point in their life. This means roughly half the global population will develop cancer – whether it’s diagnosed or not. If you’re fortunate enough to avoid a diagnosis yourself, there’s a good chance you’ll know someone who will be affected by cancer, and you’ll need to be able to support them.

A large part of someone’s cancer journey comes down to their treatment as this is often one of the most taxing and lengthy aspects of the diagnosis and the road to recovery. As healthcare develops and more research is performed, new treatments come to the forefront, meaning there are more cancer treatments than you may have previously thought, and the good news is, there are more and more drugs available to mitigate the symptoms.

So, with all this in mind, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with cancer treatments.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the treatment that is most associated with cancer, and it’s also the treatment that most patients dread because of its long list of side effects. In a nutshell, chemotherapy, involves a cocktail of anti-cancer drugs being administered, either via an IV line, injections, oral tablets, or topical creams (this is for skin cancer).

Chemotherapy drugs are cytotoxic, and this means they are harmful to cells. Chemotherapy disrupts the way cancer cells grow, eventually killing them if the treatment is effective. Healthy cells may be affected which is why patients experience side effects, but there are a number of additional medications available to help ease feelings of nausea and other unpleasant side effects caused by chemotherapy.

There are many different types of chemotherapy drugs, meaning there are a number of options for patients if one type fails or doesn’t work in the way the doctors want it to.

Radiotherapy

The next type of cancer treatment is radiotherapy. This most commonly involves using x-rays to kill cancer cells in the body. Radiotherapy is one of the most accurate ways of treating cancer because the technology is constantly evolving to make the beams more precise. The more precise the beams are, the less likely it is that healthy cells will be affected, and the fewer healthy cells that are affected, the less severe side effects will be.

There are lots of different types of radiotherapy, including proton beam therapy and internal radiotherapy. The type a patient has will depend on their exact diagnosis. Radiotherapy is often used in conjunction with other treatments, such as chemotherapy and surgery.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy involves using the body’s natural immune system to fight cancer. Generally speaking, when you become ill, your white blood cells will go into attack mode to fight off the illness, but cancer cells can confuse white blood cells and slip through the net, hence they’re not attacked. Immunotherapy encourages white blood cells to recognize and attack cancer cells through the use of medications.

Like chemotherapy, there are a number of different medication options for immunotherapy.

Surgery

The final most common type of cancer treatment is surgery. This involves directly removing the cancer or as much of it as possible. This isn’t always an option because it depends where in the body the cancer is located, but it’s widely considered one of the most effective forms of treatment. Surgery is typically paired with other treatments either before or after to shrink the tumor or kill off any remaining cells that may have been left behind following treatment.

Summary

Cancer treatment can be scary, but the more you know about it, the better you can prepare for it.

Health Features

TPD Claims & Super: What Does It All Mean?

Many Australians hear the term "TPD" in relation to their superannuation and feel completely lost. If you're scratching your head, wondering what it means or whether you might have this...

Psychologists Explore Gestalt Vs Schema Therapy for PTSD Treatment

Recent research has revealed that in 2022, 1 in 9 Australians experienced post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). For some, this can significantly impact their quality of life.  To better support clients with...

Grinding & Jaw Soreness: Signs You Might Need Night Guards and How We Protect Enamel

Waking with a tight jaw, tender muscles, or a dull temple headache is more than a bad night’s sleep. Many Australians grind or clench their teeth during sleep, a condition...

Invisible Braces vs Traditional Braces: Which Is Best for Adults?

Straightening teeth as an adult is common in Australia, and the options are better than ever. The two main choices are clear aligners, also called invisible braces in Melbourne and...

Smoking, Vaping, and Healing: How Nicotine Affects Sockets and What you can do About it

Nicotine and oral surgery are a poor mix. After an wisdom teeth removal in Sydney, your body needs a stable blood clot and steady blood flow to rebuild the socket...

Titanium and Bone: How Dental Implants Become Part of the Jaw

Dental implants replace missing teeth by anchoring a metal fixture in the jaw and fitting a crown on top. Their success rests on a biological event called osseointegration, where living...

TPD Claims & Super: What Does It All Mean?

Many Australians hear the term "TPD" in relation to their superannuation and feel completely lost. If you're scratching your head, wondering what it...

What Does Breastfeeding Feel Like? A Guide for New Moms

Frequently, numerous new mothers wonder, "What does breastfeeding feel like?" The feeling is different for each individual - a few describe it as a ...

Best Nail Care Routine for Frequent Nail Polish Wearers

For many people, nail polish is more than a beauty statement – it’s part of their everyday routine. Whether you love bold colours, chic neutrals...

Reinventing Research: How E-Libraries Are Changing Education Forever

A New Chapter for Learning For centuries libraries stood as temples of knowledge filled with shelves that smelled of dust and paper. Today the same...

Psychologists Explore Gestalt Vs Schema Therapy for PTSD Treatment

Recent research has revealed that in 2022, 1 in 9 Australians experienced post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). For some, this can significantly im...

Beyond Sunscreen: Building a Sun-Smart Culture in Modern Australia

Australia’s sun-soaked lifestyle is a defining part of its national identity. From beaches and sports fields to weekend barbecues and bushwalks, t...

What is Power BI & Why Should Your Business Use It?

In today's data-driven world, businesses are constantly searching for ways to gain a competitive edge. One tool that has emerged as a game-changer i...

From Service to Strength: How Aussie Veterans Are Rebuilding Their Lives with Everyday Support

Life after military service can bring new challenges. From physical limitations to mental health hurdles, many Australian veterans find everyday hou...

The Best Times of Year to Buy a Caravan

If you're shopping for caravans for sale, timing matters almost as much as the layout and features you desire. The calendar shapes price, stock and ...

The Growing Demand for Smart Living Through Home Automation

Technology has reshaped how we communicate, work, and travel—but now, it’s also changing the way we live at home. The rise of home automation i...

Beyond Clicks and Likes: Why Many Small Businesses in Australia Still Aren’t Leveraging Digital Marketing in 2025

Introduction In 2025, online marketing has become the driving force behind business growth for companies of all sizes. Yet, despite its proven effect...

Lighting Shop Perth: Your Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Right Lighting Solutions

Lighting is a fundamental element in defining the ambiance, functionality, and aesthetic appeal of any space. Whether you are renovating your home, ...

Private Booze Cruisers – The New Must-Have Toy for Cashed Up Millennials

Did you hear that your 30s are the new 20s? We’ve finally rocked up that adult money and now it’s time to play with it. I was going for a walk ...

Grinding & Jaw Soreness: Signs You Might Need Night Guards and How We Protect Enamel

Waking with a tight jaw, tender muscles, or a dull temple headache is more than a bad night’s sleep. Many Australians grind or clench their teeth ...

Circular Interior Design: Furnishing with Salvaged & Reclaimed Materials

Circular interior design is gradually making its way from niche circles into mainstream Australian homes. At its core, this approach revolves around...

Invisible Braces vs Traditional Braces: Which Is Best for Adults?

Straightening teeth as an adult is common in Australia, and the options are better than ever. The two main choices are clear aligners, also called i...

Smoking, Vaping, and Healing: How Nicotine Affects Sockets and What you can do About it

Nicotine and oral surgery are a poor mix. After an wisdom teeth removal in Sydney, your body needs a stable blood clot and steady blood flow to rebu...

Titanium and Bone: How Dental Implants Become Part of the Jaw

Dental implants replace missing teeth by anchoring a metal fixture in the jaw and fitting a crown on top. Their success rests on a biological event ...