What are the routine methods for treating cancer?

The routine methods for treating cancer primarily involve surgery and radiation. Surgery is often employed to physically remove tumors and any affected surrounding tissue, which can be curative for localized cancers. Radiation therapy, on the other hand, utilizes high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors, making it an essential component in both curative and palliative care.

While chemotherapy and immunotherapy are also critical components of cancer treatment and can be considered routine for many types of cancer, surgery and radiation often serve as foundational treatments, particularly for solid tumors. After initial treatment, patients may undergo additional therapies such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy to eliminate remaining cancer cells and reduce the chance of recurrence.

Homeopathy and acupuncture, as well as diet and lifestyle changes, may support cancer patients and improve their quality of life, but they are not established as routine curative methods for treating cancer according to conventional medical standards. Therefore, the combination of surgery and radiation represents definitive, often standard approaches in oncological care.