Understanding Your Treatment
Knowledge reduces fear. Here's what to expect from each type of cancer treatment, explained in simple language for patients and families.
Your doctor will recommend the best treatment based on your cancer type, stage, and overall health. Many patients receive a combination of treatments. Understanding what's ahead can help you feel more in control.
🔪Surgery
Surgery removes the tumour and some surrounding tissue. It's often the first treatment for solid cancers when the tumour can be safely removed.
- •Pre-surgery tests (blood work, scans, heart check)
- •Fasting before surgery (usually 8-12 hours)
- •General or regional anaesthesia
- •Recovery time varies: days to weeks depending on the surgery
- •Post-surgery pain is managed with medication
- •Follow-up appointments to check healing and discuss next steps
💉Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses powerful medicines to kill cancer cells throughout the body. It may be given before surgery (to shrink tumours), after surgery (to kill remaining cells), or as the main treatment.
- •Usually given in cycles: treatment days followed by rest days
- •Can be given through IV drip, injection, or tablets
- •Each session may take 30 minutes to several hours
- •Common side effects: nausea, fatigue, hair loss, weakened immunity
- •Side effects are temporary — most resolve after treatment ends
- •Your medical team will prescribe medicines to manage side effects
⚡Radiation Therapy
Radiation uses high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells in a specific area. It's painless during the session and often used alongside surgery or chemotherapy.
- •Planning session first: scans to map the exact treatment area
- •Treatment sessions are short (15-30 minutes), usually 5 days/week
- •A typical course lasts 3-7 weeks
- •Painless during the session — like getting an X-ray
- •Skin may become red or tender in the treated area
- •Fatigue is common but usually manageable
🎯Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy uses medicines that specifically target cancer cells based on their genetic makeup, often sparing healthy cells. This is a newer, more precise approach.
- •Often given as tablets or IV infusion
- •Usually has fewer side effects than chemotherapy
- •Requires genetic testing of the tumour first
- •May be used alone or combined with other treatments
🛡️Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy helps your own immune system recognize and fight cancer cells. It has transformed treatment for many cancer types.
- •Usually given through IV infusion
- •May cause immune-related side effects (skin rash, fatigue, inflammation)
- •Can produce long-lasting responses in some patients
- •Treatment schedules vary: every 2-6 weeks
💊Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy blocks hormones that fuel certain cancers, particularly breast and prostate cancers. It's often taken for years after initial treatment.
- •Usually taken as daily tablets
- •May be prescribed for 5-10 years
- •Side effects include hot flashes, fatigue, mood changes
- •Regular follow-up blood tests are needed
Managing Side Effects
Side effects vary by treatment type and individual. Most are temporary. Here's how to manage common ones:
Nausea & Vomiting
Take anti-nausea medication as prescribed. Eat small, frequent meals. Ginger tea can help. Avoid strong smells.
Fatigue
Rest when you need to, but try light activity like short walks. Plan your day around when you have the most energy.
Hair Loss
Not all treatments cause hair loss. If it happens, it's usually temporary. Consider scarves, hats, or wigs. Your hair will grow back.
Mouth Sores
Use a soft toothbrush. Avoid spicy or acidic foods. Rinse with salt water. Your doctor can prescribe medicated mouthwash.
Weakened Immunity
Avoid crowds and sick people during treatment. Wash hands frequently. Report any fever above 38°C immediately.
Emotional Changes
Anxiety, depression, and mood swings are common. This is not weakness — it's a normal response. Seek counselling support.
🥗 Nutrition During Treatment
Good nutrition helps your body heal and cope with treatment. Here are some practical tips:
- ✓Eat small, frequent meals rather than large ones
- ✓Stay hydrated — aim for 8 glasses of water daily
- ✓Focus on protein-rich foods: eggs, fish, chicken, dhal, tofu
- ✓Include fruits and vegetables in every meal
- ✓Avoid raw or undercooked food if immunity is low
- ✓Traditional Sri Lankan foods like kola kenda (herbal porridge), gotukola, and jak fruit are nutritious options
- ✓Ask your doctor about any foods or supplements to avoid during treatment