Although new treatments are constantly being tested, there are six methods that are commonly used for cancer treatment. They can be used alone or in combination with one another.

A procedure to remove the cancer in an operation.

Also called cryotherapy, it is the use of extreme cold to destroy cancer cells. Traditionally, it has been used to treat external tumors, such as those on the skin, but recently some physicians have begun using it as a treatment for tumors inside the body. Cryosurgery for internal tumors is increasing as a result of developments in technology during the past several years.

The treatment of cancer with drugs that can destroy cancer cells. These drugs - often called "anticancer" drugs - destroy cancer cells by stopping them from growing or multiplying. Healthy cells can also be harmed, especially those that divide quickly. Harm to healthy cells is what causes side effects. These cells usually repair themselves after chemotherapy. Because some drugs work better together than alone, often two or more drugs are given at the same time. This is called combination chemotherapy.

Also called radiation therapy, is the treatment of cancer and other diseases with ionizing radiation. Ionizing radiation deposits energy that injures or destroys cells in the area being treated - the "target tissue" - by damaging their genetic material, making it impossible for these cells to continue to grow. Although radiation damages both cancer cells and normal cells, the latter are able to repair themselves and function properly.

Also called biological therapy, is a relatively new type of treatment. Biological therapies use the body's immune system, either directly or indirectly, to fight cancer or to lessen the side effects that may be caused by some cancer treatments.