Cancer, one of the deadliest diseases, has been responsible for numerous deaths globally. The disease is caused when the cells in the body grow abnormally and uncontrollably.
The cancerous cells, if left unchecked, can spread and damage adjacent body parts. While there are several treatments for cancer, surgery and drugs remain the most common. In this article, we are going to explore the benefits of surgery and drugs in treating cancer.
Benefits of Surgery
Surgery is the oldest form of cancer treatment and involves physically removing the tumour and adjacent tissues from the body. Here are some of the benefits of surgery in treating cancer:.
Complete removal of cancerous cells
Surgery is the most effective way of eradicating the cancerous cells from the body. With the complete removal of the tumour, there is a lower chance of the cancerous cells spreading and growing in other parts of the body.
Treatment of early-stage cancer
Surgery is a highly effective treatment for early-stage cancer, where cancerous cells have not yet spread to other parts of the body.
For example, breast cancer can be completely cured with a mastectomy, which involves the removal of one or both breasts, depending on the extent of the cancer.
Less invasive and less risky
With the advancements in medical technology, surgery has become less invasive and less risky. The use of laparoscopic and robotic surgeries has significantly reduced the risk of complications, and patients can quickly recover from the procedure.
Benefits of Drugs
Drugs are the most common treatment for cancer. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy and immunotherapy are some of the drugs used in cancer treatment. Here are some of the benefits of drugs in treating cancer:.
Targeting cancer cells
Chemotherapy is a type of drug used in cancer treatment. It is effective in killing cancerous cells in the body without much damage to healthy cells. The drugs are designed to attack specific cancer cells and leave the healthy cells unharmed.
Treatment of advanced cancer
Drugs can be used to treat advanced cancer where the cancerous cells have spread to other parts of the body.
While surgical removal may be impossible, drugs can be used to manage and control the cancerous cells and alleviate symptoms such as pain and discomfort.
Minimal side effects
With the advancements in medicine, drugs used in cancer treatment have fewer side effects than before. Patients can go through cancer treatment without compromising their quality of life.
They can continue with their regular daily activities and live a normal life.
Prolonged lifespan
Drugs used in cancer treatment can increase the lifespan of the patient, even if the cancer cannot be completely cured. The treatment can help manage the symptoms of cancer and control the growth and spread of the cancer cells.
Conclusion
Cancer can be a life-threatening disease, but with the advancements in medicine, there are several treatment options available. Surgery and drugs remain the most common treatment options with their respective benefits.
Surgery is highly effective in treating early-stage cancer and physically removing the tumour from the body. On the other hand, drugs can be used to treat advanced cancer by managing cancerous cells and controlling their spread.
With further research and advancements in medical technology, cancer treatment will continue to improve, and a cure may eventually be found.