In Anderson, we treat all cancer types, but see more cases of lung, breast, prostate, colorectal, and head and neck cancers. The oncologists and staff work closely on a daily basis to deliver personalized cancer treatments and coordinate care with the surgeons and your primary care physician. Some patients travel to us from across the state to receive specialized treatment for prostate and breast cancer.
What is Chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy is the use of medicines to treat the cancer cells before surgery, after surgery or in combination with surgery and radiation therapy. Chemo, as it is often called, is also used for cancers that have spread (or metastasized) to other parts of the body far from the original tumor site. Currently, there are more than 100 different chemo agents and many are used in combination. Our medical oncologists are highly trained in chemo guidelines and how they apply to the treatment of more than 100 different cancers.
Goal of Chemotherapy
Each patient's cancer journey is individual and that is why your cancer treatment plan is personalized for your needs. Depending on the cancer type, stage and other factors, chemo is used to:
- Kill the cancer cells that may have spread to other parts of the body
- Shrink the tumor, especially before surgery and/or radiation therapy
- Slow the cancer cell growth
- Keep the cancer from spreading
- Relieve symptoms caused by cancer