After receiving a cancer diagnosis, you may have questions for your doctor about the treatments you’ll undergo. As the team at Alaska Oncology and Hematology, LLC explains, new patients are told they will receive chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of the two to fight their cancer. The Anchorage area’s leading cancer treatment center is dedicated to helping patients understand their options.

Chemotherapy 

Chemotherapy uses drugs to treat various forms of cancer. The term refers to the type of treatment rather than a specific blend of drugs; each patient will receive medication that is tailored to their needs. During chemotherapy, drugs enter your system via injections, topical application, or oral consumption. This cancer treatment targets fast-growing cancer cells. In the process, healthy cells can also be impacted, leading to side effects such as temporary hair loss or increased risk of infection or anemia.

Radiation Therapy

This treatment method uses high-energy particles to destroy cancer cells. Specially designed equipment sends high doses of radiation directly to a tumor or group of cancer cells. Unlike chemotherapy, radiation therapy is used to treat targeted zones, so it only affects the area of the body with cancerous cells. This type of therapy is commonly used to treat breast, prostate, lung, and ovarian cancer. 

Which Option Is Best for You?

Depending on the type and stage of your cancer, your treatment may include a combination of both chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Your oncologist will discuss your options with you before beginning treatment, helping you make a more informed decision. 

If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer and need help understanding whether chemotherapy or radiation will be a more effective treatment, Alaska Oncology and Hematology, LLC, will help. Call (907) 279-3155 to schedule an appointment with their team. To learn more about the medical center’s advanced treatment options, visit their website.