Hormone therapy and chemotherapy are two options for treating breast and prostate cancer.
How Does Hormone Therapy Work?
Hormone Therapy Delivery
Depending on the drug, hormone therapy can be given in various ways.
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These reproductive organs produce hormones that may stimulate some types of cancer.
If you have health insurance, call them to find out what your benefits are with hormone therapy.
If you do not have health insurance, speak with the billing department of your treatment place.
What to Know About Chemotherapy
Chemotherapyis the use of certain medications to treat or cure cancer.
How Does Chemotherapy Work?
Chemotherapy targets fast-growing cells.
These include cancer cells but also some healthy cells.
This effect on healthy cells is why certain side effects can occur.
The drugs stop or slow down the growth and multiplication of cancer cells.
Chemotherapy can be used to treat cancer and reduce the risk of it recurring.
Chemotherapy Delivery
Chemotherapy can be given in several different ways.
Ways that chemotherapy can be given include:
Your healthcare provider prescribes chemotherapy drugs.
Side Effects of Chemotherapy
Side effects of chemotherapycan vary among individuals.
Ask them how to manage symptoms at home and when to contact them about side effects.
If you have insurance, call your insurance company to ask what your out-of-pocket costs will be.
If you do not have insurance, talk with your healthcare provider.
They may know of financial aid programs you’re able to apply for and provideyou with possible resources.
Which Treatment Is Best for You?
Together, you could gather all of the necessary information to make an informed decision about your treatment.
Can Hormone Therapy and Chemotherapy Be Used Together?
Yes, they can be used together for certain cancers for certain people.
Coping With the Side Effects
Side effects can affect everyone differently.
If youre having a hard time with side effects or struggling emotionally, let them know.
Dont hesitate to use their expertise.
National Cancer Institute.Hormone therapy to treat cancer.
American Cancer Society.Hormone therapy for breast cancer.
American Cancer Society.Hormone therapy for prostate cancer.
National Cancer Institute.Chemotherapy to treat cancer.
American Cancer Society.Chemotherapy side effects.
doi:10.1200/JCO.2019.37.15_suppl.e12040
Seattle Cancer Care Alliance.Coping with side effects.
