All questions · What the words mean

What does “curative treatment” mean?

It means the aim is to get rid of the cancer so it does not come back. That might be surgery, radiation, drugs, or some combination of them.

When your team uses that word they are telling you what they are aiming for, which is worth hearing clearly.

Written by two physicians. Checked against patient information from the US National Cancer Institute and Cancer Research UK.

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Content last updated 25 September 2026 · How we write these cards · Report a problem with this card

These cards are for learning. They are not medical advice and do not replace talking with your own doctor.