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Hormone Therapy for Cancer Treatment at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center

What Is Hormone Therapy?

Hormones are the body’s natural chemical messengers. They travel throughout the body to regulate the activity and behavior of cells and organs.

Hormones play a vital role in functions such as:

  • Digestion
  • Metabolism
  • Sleep
  • Reproduction
  • Mood

When hormonal activity abnormally increases, cancer can form. Hormone therapy uses drugs to alter abnormal actions of certain hormones.

Your UPMC Hillman Cancer Center care team may suggest the use of hormone therapy:

  • If your cancer has spread too far to be cured by tumor resection or radiation therapy.
  • If shrinking the tumor would make radiation therapy or surgery more effective.
  • To try to prevent another cancer from forming after surgery or radiation.

Hormone Therapy Treatment UPMC Hillman Cancer Center

Hormone therapy isn't right for treating every type of cancer.

In women, hormones can cause cancers of the endometrium, ovary, and breast. In men, hormones can cause cancer of the prostate.

Your medical oncologist will work with other experts at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center to see if hormone therapy is right for you.

Our comprehensive cancer care program unites specialists from all types of disciplines to share their knowledge and insight.

But, rest assured. All of your care providers are on the same team and will work together to provide the best treatment plan for you.

Contact Us About Medical Oncology and Chemotherapy

To learn more about medical oncology and chemotherapy or to make an appointment, you can: