Some people are happy to have whatever treatment their doctor recommends, but others like to know as much as possible before starting any course of treatment.

There are several different types of treatment that may be appropriate, depending on your type of cancer and where it is in the body. You may be offered surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormonal therapies, biological therapies, or a combination of treatments. Often, treatment will be aimed at relieving symptoms and improving your quality of life. This is sometimes called palliative care or supportive care.

It’s usually possible to take a bit of time to think about the treatment options, and discuss them with the people closest to you and the doctors and nurses looking after you. Your cancer specialist (oncologist) is the best source of accurate medical information. In some hospitals, specialist nurses are available to talk over all the possible benefits and side effects of treatment, and whether you want to have further treatment or not.

Remember that the treatment is designed to be for your benefit. It’s important that you make the decision that feels right for you about which treatment, if any, you want to have; even if your family or doctors may recommend otherwise.

It‘s often difficult to remember the questions you want to ask your doctor. It may help to make a list before your next appointment. Some people find it useful to record (with their doctor's permission) the discussion with the doctor, or take a friend or family member with them. As well as giving support, they may be able to take notes for you, or remind you of any questions that you want to ask. Tapes can also be helpful for family and friends to listen to, so that you do not have to keep repeating information.

• What are my treatment options?
• Is this treatment aimed at curing the cancer, helping me to live longer or dealing with my symptoms?
• If my cancer can’t be cured can you give me some idea of how long I am likely to live?
• How long will it be before I feel the benefit of any treatment?
• Are there any side effects? Are they temporary or permanent?
• Can I go on working? Should I try to work shorter hours?
• Will I need extra help in the house or with the children?
• Will I need to stay in hospital, and if so, for how long?
• If treatments are given as an outpatient, how long will each one take and how many will I need?
• Should somebody take me to and from the hospital, or will I be able to drive or travel by myself?
• Can I go on driving?
• Will the illness affect my holiday/travelling plans?
• Will I have to change my diet?
• Will the cancer or treatment affect my sex life?

It may be difficult to collect your thoughts in a busy outpatients clinic, and many questions are likely to come up between your hospital appointments or visits to the doctor. You may have a specialist nurse at the hospital who you can contact in-between hospital visits to talk to.

Cancerbackup nurses can discuss your situation and give you information and emotional support. Both patients and their relatives sometimes find it helpful to talk to someone they do not know and who isn’t emotionally involved in their situation.

If you decide against any treatment, the hospital may suggest that you still come in for regular check-ups. Your GP may become more involved in your care especially if you are not attending the hospital as often. They will probably also want to see you regularly, to see how you’re getting on and to have a chance to recommend medicines which may help you, and ways of making you more comfortable.

Your local hospice may also become involved in your care at this stage.  The hospice’s team of nurses and doctors usually work closely with both your oncologist (cancer specialist) and GP and will be able to offer you additional help and support. They can offer a wide range of services such as symptom control, complementary therapies and counselling.

Some people wonder whether complementary or alternative therapies can help them when they are told that their cancer cannot be cured.

Complementary therapies are therapies such as relaxation techniques, reflexology or massage that are often used alongside conventional treatments. Conventional therapies are treatments like surgery or radiotherapy that doctors use as part of medical care to treat people with cancer. Complementary therapies can sometimes play a part in reducing anxiety and controlling symptoms, alongside conventional medicines for symptom control.

Alternative therapies try to treat cancer with unconventional therapies (not the usual medical treatments). You may see alternative therapies advertised as a possible cure for cancer. But no reputable therapist would claim to be able to cure cancer. Some therapies can be harmful and cause severe side effects.

It’s important to discuss with your doctor any therapy you are thinking of trying. Our section on complementary therapies, gives more information on both complementary and alternative treatments.