This information represents the views of the doctors and nurses serving on the American Cancer Society's Cancer Information Database Editorial Board. These views are based on their interpretation of studies published in medical journals, as well as their own professional experience.

The treatment information in this document is not official policy of the Society and is not intended as medical advice to replace the expertise and judgment of your cancer care team. It is intended to help you and your family make informed decisions, together with your doctor.

Your doctor may have reasons for suggesting a treatment plan different from these general treatment options. Don't hesitate to ask him or her questions about your treatment options.

Goals of treatment

Advanced cancer is not likely to be cured but it can often be treated. The physical symptoms can almost always be well managed. At any stage of cancer, the goal of treatment should be clear to both you and your family. You should know if the goal is to cure your cancer, help you live longer, or relieve symptoms. This can sometimes seem confusing because some treatments used to cure cancer are also be used to relieve symptoms.

Some people believe that nothing more can be done if the cancer cannot be cured. So they stop all treatment. There are even doctors who think this way. But radiation, chemotherapy, surgery, and other treatments can often control symptoms. And relieving symptoms like pain, blocked bowels, upset stomach, and vomiting can help keep you feel better. Something can almost always be done to help maintain or improve your quality of life.

You "call the shots"

You have the right to be the decision-maker in planning your treatment. The goal of any cancer care is to give you the best possible quality of life. You should feel as good as possible for as long as possible. This is a very personal issue. You should tell your cancer care team what is important to you. Tell them what you want to be able to continue to do.

Some people decide that burdens placed on them by aggressive cancer treatments are not worth the small chance of benefits. They may decide that they no longer want aggressive treatment. Others want to continue cancer treatments as long as there's a chance they may help. Some patients want to stay at home. Others choose to go to an assisted living center, a nursing home, or an inpatient hospice program. Again, you should make the choices that are best for you and most realistic for you and your situation.

You may decide that you don’t want any more treatment for your cancer. This may be hard for some of your loved ones to accept, but you have the right to make this decision. Still, it is always best to include your family in these difficult decisions.

Types of treatment

Treatment choices for advanced cancer depend on where the cancer started and if and how much it has spread. As a general rule, cancer that has spread will need systemic therapy such as chemotherapy or hormone therapy. Systemic therapy is treatment that is taken by mouth or injected into the blood to reach cancer cells throughout the entire body.

Last Medical Review: 01/28/2009
Last Revised: 01/28/2009