When it comes to cancer treatment South Yarra, in the suburbs of Melbourne, leads the way in many respects. The type of treatment prescribed for cancer varies, based on the form of cancer, where it is in your body, and the extent to which it has spread throughout your body. Treatments to halt or delay the onset of cancer fall under three main categories, as follows:

Radiotherapy tries to use radiation to destroy cancerous cells. Targeted xrays are used to deliver radiation to the cancerous area of the body. This is done in a manner that will not harm the nearby tissue. Similar to other treatments, radiotherapy does produce a few side effects, like fatigue, a reduced appetite and depression. Sometimes, women who receive radiotherapy treatment in their pelvic area begin menopause prematurely.

With chemotherapy, a mixture of medication is used to fight the cancer. Different medication is used, depending on the form of cancer the patient suffers from. Occasionally, the aim is to reduce the size of tumors so they can be removed surgically by a doctor.

Normally, chemotherapy drugs are orally consumed, however they might be injected as well. Following a session of chemotherapy, patients have to recuperate for seven to thirty days. The medication can produce side effects, such as vomiting, mouth ulcers and baldness. Most of the time, no more than six sessions of chemotherapy are prescribed.

Cancer nurses can administer and oversee chemotherapy treatment for patients in hospital, and carry out various other duties. Many people are scared when they find out they have cancer, so cancer nurses might be allocated to patients during treatment, to offer a regular point of contact and a sympathetic ear, which patients will appreciate.

Invasive surgery is the final type of major cancer treatment. If the cancer is detected early, before it spreads, then surgery is often the most effective treatment. Also, surgery can be used when cancer takes the form of solid tumors. Much of the nearby tissue, such as lymph nodes, might be surgically removed as well, to stop the cancer from coming back.

Sometimes, oncologists (i.e. doctors who are specially trained to treat and detect cancer) will prescribe a mixture of the different cancer treatments mentioned above. This is referred to as a multi modality process. Lots of patients like to speak with nurses about upcoming treatments and procedures, to manage their expectations. Nurses can educate the relatives of patients too. These types of interactions might include offering relatives advice about delivering home care, or supporting their loved ones in hospital when necessary.