Treatment
There are three main approaches to treatment for cancer:
1. Chemotherapy: The cytotoxic (anti-cancer) drugs can kill cancer cells and
control their growth and proliferation. Medications may be administered by intravenous,
intramuscular or subcutaneous injection, or taken orally. The duration of treatment
depends on the type of cancer. It may last several months to two or three years.
2.Surgery: Most solid tumours, such as brain tumour or Wilms' tumour require
surgery. Complete removal of the tumour will increase the chance of cure.
3. Radiotherapy: For some types of cancer, e.g. brain tumour and acute leukaemia,
radiotherapy may be incorporated into the treatment regimen.
Most children do not require all three methods of treatment. The doctor will
choose a combination of treatment considered best for the patient. The treatment
may bring on some side effects, such as nausea and vomiting, hair loss, fever,
anaemia and bleeding. However most of these complications are temporary, and
will not cause permanent disability.