Cancer Surgery

Cancer surgery involves the physical removal of a tumour. It is often combined with chemotherapy or radiation therapy. 

How it’s done? 

• Open Surgery - larger incision to access and remove the tumour 
• Minimally Invasive Surgery - (laparoscopic or robotic-assisted surgery) – smaller cuts, faster recovery 

What to expect? 

• Recovery time depends on surgery type 
• Common risks may include bleeding, infection, long-term effects depending on organ removed 

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses powerful anti-cancer medicines to destroy cancer cells or slow their growth. It targets rapidly dividing cells, which is a key characteristic of cancer. Chemotherapy is a common treatment that may be used alone or in combination with surgery and/or radiation therapy. It often works throughout the bloodstream to shrink tumours, control cancer spread or relieve symptoms. 

How is it given? 

• Oral - Pills or capsules taken by mouth 
• Intravenous (IV) - Given through a drip into a vein 
• Injection - Administered into a muscle or under the skin 
• Regional – Delivered directly into a specific body area, cavity, or artery, depending on the cancer type 

What to expect? 

• Treatment is typically given in cycles with rest periods to allow your body to recover 
• Common side effects may include nausea, fatigue, or a higher infection risk 

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy (also known as radiotherapy) uses high-energy radiation beams to destroy the DNA of cancer cells, causing tumours to shrink or disappear. It is a non-invasive approach focused on precision care. 

Types of delivery 

• External Beam Radiation – Uses radiation generating machine to direct high-energy radiation beams at the tumour from outside the body 
• Internal Radiation (Brachytherapy) – Places radioactive material (seeds, or capsules) inside the body, directly in or near the tumour 

What to expect? 

• Treatment often involves multiple visits over several weeks 
• Common side effects may include skin irritation, fatigue, localized pain 

Targeted Therapy & Immunotherapy

These advanced therapies offer a more focused approach than traditional treatments: 

• Targeted Therapy - works by attack specific genes or proteins that help cancer grow and spread. 
• Immunotherapy - helps your body’s immune system recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively. It works by boosting natural defences or adding lab-made substances to target abnormal cells. 

These therapies are often used for advanced cancers or those with specific genetic changes. 

Precision Medicine

Precision Medicine (also known as personalised medicine), it uses genetic or molecular testing to find specific mutations in cancer cells and match them with targeted treatments. 

How it’s delivered? 

• Often combined with Targeted Therapy or Immunotherapy 
• Requires genetic profiling or molecular testing of the tumour before deciding the treatment plan. 

Hormone Therapy

Used for hormone-sensitive cancers (e.g., breast or prostate cancer) by blocking or lowering hormone levels that fuel cancer growth. 

How it’s delivered? 

• Typically administered as oral medication or through periodic injections 

What to expect? 

• Long-term treatment to reduce recurrence risk 
• Possible side effect may include fatigue, hot flashes, mood changes

Palliative & Supportive Care

Palliative care focuses on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life, even while receiving active cancer treatment. 

This includes: 

• Pain and symptom management 
• Emotional and psychological support 
• Help from Dietitians, Physiotherapists, and Palliative Care Specialists 

It can improve comfort, wellbeing, and daily life, regardless of cancer stage.