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Factors to Consider When Seeking Cancer Treatment

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breast cancer treatment Newport Beach-based plan will depend on the characteristics of the individual patient. When different types of cancers are treated, each cancer may require a unique combination of treatments. It can be very complicated to treat patients with cancer, depending on its type. Therefore, there must be many factors taken into consideration for a treatment plan to be effective. Here are some important factors in cancer treatment planning:

Age And Overall Health Status

A person’s age must be considered because some treatments have a greater risk with certain ages. For example, radiation therapy is associated with higher rates of secondary leukemia during childhood than in adulthood. Also, the effectiveness of some treatments may vary depending on a patient’s current health status. For example, evidence suggests that surgery is not as effective in elderly patients as it may be for younger patients.

The Location Of Cancer

The location of a tumor plays an important role in determining the optimal treatment plan for a specific individual. If metastatic disease is suspected or localized tumors show resistance to treatment, surgery and radiation therapy may not provide a complete cure.

In this case, targeted therapies such as monoclonal antibodies can complement systemic treatments by potentially maximizing efficacy while minimizing toxicity. It should also be noted that certain locations are only operable if surgery is pursued. For example, cervical cancer can often be treated through radiation therapy, but removing a tumor that obstructs the colon can only be treated with surgery.

Patient Preference

Some patients may prefer not to pursue aggressive treatment for various reasons, such as their ability to handle cancer treatments’ adverse effects or spiritual beliefs. In this case, palliative care should be offered alongside fewer intensive therapies such as observation and supportive care, which provide relief from symptoms without prolonging survival.

A physician must let the patient know about all available options, so they are making an informed decision regarding their treatment plan.