ACSM Cancer Exercise Trainer (CET) Practice Test 2026 - Free Exercise Trainer Practice Questions and Study Guide

Hormonal therapy, also known as hormone therapy or endocrine therapy, is primarily used in the treatment of cancers that are hormone-sensitive. Reproductive cancers, such as breast and prostate cancers, are significantly affected by hormonal levels, particularly estrogen and testosterone.

For instance, breast cancer cells may rely on estrogen to grow and proliferate. Hormonal therapies like tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors are used to block estrogen's effects or decrease the overall levels of estrogen in the body, thereby inhibiting the growth of the tumor. Similarly, prostate cancer can be treated with therapies that lower testosterone levels, as testosterone can promote cancer cell growth.

In contrast, other types of cancers, such as gastrointestinal, skin, or head and neck cancers, are not typically characterized by hormone sensitivity to the same extent. Therefore, while many cancers may require diverse treatment strategies, hormonal therapy is specifically tailored for those that have a direct relationship with hormonal activity.