Wednesday 25 September 2024
Maggie's
Learning that you, or someone you care about, has advanced cancer can feel overwhelming.
The information on this page will help you to find out more about treatment for advanced cancer and how ҹɫֱ²¥ can help.
Advanced cancer usually means a cancer that can't be cured. However, it doesn't mean it can't be treated.
The aim of the treatment will be to slow down the cancer’s growth, reduce its size, ease symptoms, and help you live longer – perhaps for months or years.
The treatments you are offered will vary depending on the type of cancer you have, your symptoms, and any previous treatments you've had.
Your general health, how well you feel, and whether or not the cancer has spread to other areas will also be considered.
Treatments for advanced cancer may include:
Whatever treatment you have will be closely monitored. If they aren't working or you're having side effects you can't cope with then another treatment may be considered.
You may be offered a treatment which is part of a clinical research trial. Clinical trials help find improved ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer.
If the cancer is not responding, or the side effects are too serious, then the treatment you're on may be stopped and a new plan discussed with you.
If you decide not to have further treatment, you will still be offered ways to manage your symptoms. These are classed as palliative treatments, to relieve pain or other symptoms.
You may be referred to a palliative care team. These are specialists who work alongside your cancer doctors to treat symptoms, and provide emotional, practical and psychological support.
You may worry that a referral to palliative care means you are nearing the end of life. However, palliative care can start at any point from diagnosis, to help make sure you have all the support you need.
Hearing that you have advanced cancer or the treatment you're on is no longer working is really difficult and can be an emotional time for you and people around you.
Learn more about managing emotions when you have cancer.
We're here for you and your family and can help you in lots of ways:
You don’t need an appointment or referral, just come in.
Last review: Oct 2021 | Next review: Oct 2022
Find out more about treatment and management of advanced cancer.
From American Cancer Society
Last reviewed: 28 October 2021
Find out how different treatments are used to treat advanced cancer.
From Cancer Council
Last reviewed: 28 October 2021
Find out more about what metastasis, metastatic and advanced cancer mean.
From Cancer.Net
Last reviewed: 28 October 2021
Find out more about what advanced cancer means and ow to manage emotionally and practically.
From Macmillan Cancer Support
Last reviewed: 28 October 2021
To find your nearest Maggie's centre, enter your postcode or town below.
Stay up to date with our news and fundraising by signing up for our newsletter.
Sign up