We’re here to help you prepare for cancer treatment, from what to expect, the types of treatment & how to cope
If you or a loved one are about to start cancer treatment, we know it isn’t going to be easy, but we’re here to support you.
There are a few things that will take some consideration, from deciding which treatment is best for you, the impact this will have on your physical and mental wellbeing, as well as finding the support networks you may need along the way.
But rest assured, we’re here to help you navigate your cancer treatment journey.
Making a decision on treatment
The type of treatment you might have can depend on what type of cancer you have, where and how big it is, whether it’s spread to other areas and your general health, too. Understanding your treatment and the possible side effects can help you prepare for the journey ahead.
But before we unpack the different treatment types, it’s important to make a decision about your treatment. Whether you rely on friends and family for their advice or seek support from your specialist or GP, it’s good to talk through the options available to you and what factors to think about.
Try to consider:
• The aim of the treatment
• How successful it’s likely to be
• The possible side effects
• How often and how long you’ll need to go to the hospital for
• The effects of treatment on your family, work, finances and social life
Remember, there is no right or wrong answer to the treatment type you choose, it’s what works for you.
You can find more advice and support on Macmillan’s treatment decision page.
Types of treatment & your options
Everyone’s experience with cancer is different, and there are many types of treatment available. Your specialist will discuss your options with you and advise on the most suitable treatment for you, depending on your cancer type and stage. Here are some of the most common treatments for cancer.
Surgery
Surgery can be the first treatment for most types of cancer, as tumours can usually be surgically removed, whether it’s part or all of the cancer.
Some people may need other treatments alongside surgery such as radiotherapy to shrink the tumour prior to removal. Although for each type of cancer, the surgery can be different so it’s best to talk to your specialist about what to expect.
Macmillan has more information on surgery treatment for cancer.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer (cytotoxic) medicine to kill cancer cells in the body, preventing them from growing, spreading and reproducing.
Although there are different types of chemotherapy drugs, many are carried in the blood, meaning they can reach cancer cells in any part of the body.
Whether or not you have chemotherapy will depend on certain factors, but it can be used:
• As a main treatment for cancer
• To help shrink the cancer before surgery or radiotherapy
• To reduce the risk of cancer coming back after surgery or radiotherapy
• To make radiotherapy work better
• Treat locally advanced or advanced cancer and relieve symptoms if a cure is not possible
The two most common ways to receive chemotherapy are by injection or a drip directly into a vein or by taking tablets or capsules.
Once treatment begins, some people may experience side effects which can vary depending on the type of chemotherapy drugs you’re having. The most common can be fatigue, feeling and being sick, an increased risk of getting an infection and thinning or loss of hair. Macmillan has more information on the possible side effects of chemotherapy.
Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy uses high energy radiation to target and kill cancer cells. For some people, this can be used in combination with chemotherapy (chemoradiation) where the cancer cells become more sensitive from the chemotherapy drugs, making radiotherapy work better.
It can be used:
• To destroy a tumour and try to treat the cancer
• Reduce the risk of cancer coming back after surgery
• To shrink the size of the tumour before surgery, making it easier to remove
• To treat and help relieve symptoms, if a cure is not possible
There are two common ways of having radiotherapy treatment – external beam radiotherapy and internal radiotherapy. External beam radiotherapy is given from outside the body by a radiotherapy machine, while internal radiotherapy places radioactive material inside the body.
Your radiotherapy team will carefully plan your course of treatment, ensuring the radiotherapy is aimed precisely at the cancer so this causes as little damage as possible to the surrounding tissue, while actively targeting the affected area.
Hormonal therapies
Hormonal therapies change the way certain hormones are produced or how they work in the body. This method is frequently used to treat breast cancer and prostate cancer.
There are different types of hormonal therapy – often given as either tablets or injections, but again, this depends on the type of cancer being treated. Common side effects can vary between hormonal therapy treatment, but some include headaches, feeling sick and muscle aches, but Macmillan has more information on hormonal therapies treatment for cancer.
Targeted therapies
Using drugs that find and attack cancer cells, targeted therapy affects how cancer cells grow and divide. They specifically target certain features in or around the cancer cell that’s helping it grow and survive in the body.
Targeted therapies are either small molecule drugs that work inside the cancer cell, or that attach to the outside of the cancer cell.
There are several types of targeted therapies treatment available and multiple ways it can be given but your doctor will advise the best option for you and explain the possible side effects for each type.
Immunotherapy
The immune system works to protect the body against illness and infection. Immunotherapy uses the immune system to find and fight cancer cells.
There are several types of immunotherapy, and each one uses the immune system in a different way. Depending on the type of cancer being treated, immunotherapy can be given in multiple ways.
Macmillan has more information on immunotherapy treatment.
Other treatments
This is just a handful of available treatments. Macmillan has in-depth information on all the different types of cancer treatment.
There are lots of things to consider before starting cancer treatment, from sorting travelling to and from the hospital to understanding the possible range of side effects, both physical and mental. While this may feel a little overwhelming, we’re here to support you.
The physical impact
From starting cancer treatment right up until your course of treatment has ended, you may experience some physical symptoms and side effects, although these can vary from person to person. The most common ones are:
• Pain
• Tiredness and fatigue
• Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
• Breathlessness
• Mouth and eating problems
• Feeling and being sick
• Hair loss
• Infection
• Bladder and bowel changes
• Changes to your blood
• Lymphoedema (swelling that develops due to a build-up of lymph fluid in the body’s tissues)
• Sex and fertility changes
Macmillan has a full A to Z of physical cancer symptoms complete with advice on what they are and how best to cope with them.
Your mental wellbeing
Caring for your mind is just as important as caring for your body. Once you start cancer treatment, it may impact your mental health in a number of ways. You may find comfort in speaking to close friends and family about how you’re feeling, or you might prefer speaking to another cancer patient or someone outside of your close circle.
While you undergo treatment, we understand that everyone will feel differently and cope with their emotions in their own way, but there are a range of services available to support you, should you need them.
Boots Macmillan Information Pharmacists
Supporting you or a loved one through cancer is a priority for our Boots Macmillan Information Pharmacists. Whether it’s a question on your side effects, your treatment journey or just someone to talk to, you can use our store locator to find a Boots Macmillan Information Pharmacist near you.
Macmillan buddies
If you’d prefer to discuss your feelings with someone outside of your friends and family, a Macmillan buddy can be a shoulder to lean on. You’ll be matched with someone who understands what you’re experiencing, with weekly calls or visits to your home.
Free specialist counselling
For people who may be struggling emotionally, Bupa and Macmillan have teamed up to offer up to six free one-to-one counselling sessions with a qualified therapist for people living with cancer.
Emotional support forum
Following your diagnosis, it may be beneficial to talk with people who are also dealing with the emotional impact of cancer. Whether this is from receiving a diagnosis or treatment side effects, share your experience or ask an expert any questions you may have on the Macmillan forum.
Online community
Similar to the forum, Macmillan have created an online community for people who are living with, affected by or supporting a loved one through cancer. This is a free service where you can talk to like-minded people about their experiences and lean on one another throughout the course of your diagnosis.
Talking therapies
The Boots Health Hub is a great place to seek support, offering a variety of services such as talking therapies* that can be accessed on demand.
Remember, you don’t have to face cancer alone. You can always ask your GP or specialist for further advice and support.
Coping tips
There’s no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to coping with cancer treatment. What works for one person may not work for another, but there are some things you could try during your treatment:
• Plan a nice activity around your treatment with loved ones to keep your mind positive, if you feel up to it (this could be as small as going to the park)
• Bring something comforting from home – whether it’s a blanket to wrap up in during treatment or a good book
• Try to create a sense of normality in your routine – even as simple as getting dressed every day
• Eat when you can and drink plenty of fluids to try and keep your energy levels up and stay hydrated
• Get some rest – don’t feel like you have to carry on with the day-to-day, take it easy and don’t put too much pressure on yourself
To help with your general mental wellbeing, whether you’re going through treatment or are coping with the after-effects, there are some exercises that may help. Why not try:
• Doing some physical activity in nature, even a short walk can help
• Focusing on breathing exercises – deep breaths in through the nose and out of the mouth
• Activities such as yoga and meditation to help relax and calm your mind
• Reading a book, magazine or listening to some of your favourite music
• Getting a good amount of sleep
There’s lots of good advice out there, but keep in mind that everyone’s experience is different. Remember your support team will be there to answer your questions, concerns and listen to how you’re feeling. And most importantly, go easy on yourself, you’re doing great.
*Charges apply.
