Cancerbackup: General information

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General information about hormonal therapies

Hormones are substances that occur naturally in the body. They act as chemical messengers influencing the growth and activity of cells. Hormones are produced by a number of different organs or glands which together are known as the endocrine system.

Hormonal therapies act by altering the production or activity of particular hormones in the body. They are most commonly used to treat breast and prostate cancer. The type of hormone therapy given depends on the type of cancer being treated.

There are several different types of hormonal therapy. Please see our list of individual therapies for more detailed information about each particular treatment.


Content last reviewed: 01 April 2008
Page last modified: 17 April 2008

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Cancerbackup has merged with Macmillan Cancer Support. We will be providing the same high quality, expertly developed information about cancer and now we can make it available to everyone who needs it.