Hormonal Therapy for Cancer
Hormones naturally occurring substances
in the body that stimulate the growth of hormone-sensitive
tissues, such as the breast or the prostate gland.1
When cancer forms in breast or prostate tissue, its growth and
spread may be caused by the body's own hormones. Therefore, ways
to fight cancer include drugs that block hormone production or
change the way hormones work, and the removal of organs that secrete
hormones, such as the ovaries or testicles.2
Hormone therapy, similar to chemotherapy, is a systemic (not local)
treatment—it may affect cancer cells throughout the body.3
In addition to hormonal therapy, chemotherapy is another way to treat cancer.
Learn more about treating
cancer with chemotherapy.
1. Dictionary of cancer terms—definition of hormone. National Cancer Institute website. http://www.cancer.gov/Templates/db_alpha.aspx?CdrID=45713. Accessed June 2, 2010.
2. Dictionary of cancer terms—definition of hormone therapy. National Cancer Institute website. http://www.cancer.gov/Templates/db_alpha.aspx?CdrID=45110. Accessed June 2, 2010.
3. General types of treatment. American Cancer Society website. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/ETO/ETO_1.asp?sitearea=ETO. Accessed June 2, 2010.
Understanding Cancer –
Chemotherapy Side Effects –
Treating Cancer in Other Ways
Tracking Your Test Results –
Understanding Insurance and Tax Issues
Chemotherapy Resources and Organizations –
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