Types of treatment
Treatments for bowel cancer can include:
- surgery
- radiation therapy (radiotherapy)
- chemotherapy
- targeted therapy
- immunotherapy
- palliative care.
Most people with bowel cancer have one or more of these treatments. Not all treatments are suitable for every person or every type of bowel cancer.
Choose the option that best suits your situation
Surgery
The type of surgery you have depends on your cancer.
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy is a way of treating cancers using X-rays or other types of radiation.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy, also known as chemo, is a way of treating cancer using drugs.
Targeted therapy
Targeted therapy uses drugs that affect specific cells in some cancers.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy helps the body’s immune system to fight cancer.
Palliative care
Palliative care deals with managing symptoms and improving quality of life.
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Side effects
It is good to be prepared for side effects and know how to manage them.
Physical wellbeing
Looking after your general health is important, even when you have cancer.
Emotional wellbeing
There are ways to deal with some of the emotional effects of having cancer.
Cancer costs
It is important to ask about costs before you start your treatment.