Treating your cancer

HonorHealth continues to redefine how the world treats cancer.

At the HonorHealth Virginia G. Piper Cancer Care Network you'll find such groundbreaking treatments as:

  • Immunotherapy that triggers your immune system to recognize cancer cells that until now were masters of disguise
  • Targeted therapies that focus on cancer cells at the molecular level
  • Clinical trials where drugs are first tested in humans, leading to treatment breakthroughs

Your team of HonorHealth experts will carefully weigh the best way to treat the type of cancer you have.

They'll consider such factors as:

  • Your genetic makeup
  • Your family history
  • Your response to prior treatments
  • What's been proven to work for your type of cancer
  • Your personal preferences and needs

What are your cancer treatment options?

Cancer treatment methods differ in their approach, depending on the type of cancer, the biology driving it and where it resides in your body. With small tumors, surgery often is best. Larger cancers may require additional therapies such as radiation and chemotherapy. If your cancer has spread too far, then more traditional treatments such as chemotherapy may be your best option.

You and your doctors will consider:

Your HonorHealth doctors will carefully consider your situation and preferences as they decide on a treatment plan. Each situation is as unique as you are. The goal is to provide the highest quality of life for as long as possible as your HonorHealth team strives to restore you to health, never losing hope.

How do cancer treatments work?

Some kill cancer cells while trying to preserve the function of normal cells. Other methods affect cancer cell growth and their ability to spread or metastasize. Some treatments cut off blood flow to a tumor, affect cancer cells' metabolism or unmask cancer cells' ability to hide from the immune system.

Is early detection the best way to cure cancer?

If there's one key to successful treatment of cancer, it's early detection. Screenings such as mammograms, lung cancer screenings with CT scans and colonoscopies allow you to do exactly that.

As you start or continue your cancer treatment, remember that more than 50 percent of all cancers are cured now, thanks to scientific advances and early detection.

How much does cancer treatment cost?

The cost of cancer treatment depends on how your doctors decide to treat it, if you'll be hospitalized, how long you'll be in the hospital, if surgery is necessary, what drugs and other therapies will be used and insurance coverage. Such factors as healthcare products and services to maintain an active body, mind and spirit approach to cancer care also come into play.

How does cancer treatment affect fertility?

Because cancer treatment can affect the development of eggs and sperm in people of childbearing years, your HonorHealth team will advise you on ways to help protect your fertility.

How does cancer treatment affect the body? What about side effects?

Cancer treatment can cause short- and long-term changes in your body, depending on the type of therapy and where it's delivered. You may be one of many who can live a normal life with minimal side effects. Newer therapies help reduce side effects.

You can make full use of HonorHealth's support services, such as yoga and nutrition, to help boost your mind, body and spirit during and after your treatment.

Because you have a unique genetic makeup and body chemistry, doctors aren't able to predict if a particular cancer treatment will result in side effects for you. Your medical team will watch you closely, adapting your treatment plan as necessary to get the best results.