Hormonal therapy is a cancer treatment that slows or stops the growth of cancer that uses hormones to grow, such as breast and prostate. Hormones are produced in the endocrine glands, such as the thyroid, pancreas, ovaries in women and testicles in men. Hormones can encourage the growth of some cancer. But, in some cases, they can kill, slow or stop cancer cells from growing.
Hormone therapy usually involves taking medications. In some cases, the gland responsible for hormone production may have to be removed. Hormonal therapy is often accompanied with other cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Cancers that can be hormone sensitive include:
