The word "cancer" refers to abnormal cells that grow uncontrollably. Cancer is not a single disease. It can involve any type of cell, anywhere in your body. And it starts with a problem in the cell's genes.
There are many types of cancers. They can behave in very different ways. When a patient is diagnosed with cancer, doctors evaluate and classify the cancer's characteristics. This process is known as cancer "staging." Staging helps doctors design effective cancer treatment plans.
During the course of your cancer treatment, your doctor may tell you that your cancer is in "remission." This is great news, but it isn't the same as saying that you have been cured. There are two types of remission, "partial" and "complete." It is important to fully understand what each diagnosis means.
An oncologist is a doctor who specializes in cancer care. They identify cancer and find ways to treat it. They work closely with you to develop an effective care plan.
A tumor is an abnormal growth of cells in your body. There are two main categories of tumors: "benign" and "malignant." They act very differently. Let's take a moment to learn more.
Cancer begins when abnormal cells in your body form a mass called a "tumor." At first, the tumor may stay in one place. But over time, some cancer cells may break free and travel to other places. This is called "metastasis." Let's take a moment to learn more.
A diagnosis of cancer changes your life. It changes the lives of your loved ones, too. It may leave you facing some unexpected challenges. But you don't have to let cancer rob you of your happiness. There are healthy ways to deal with cancer. Here are some coping strategies.
During cancer treatment, you may wonder how things will turn out. Your doctor can tell you how your cancer is likely to affect you. Your doctor also can explain how you may respond to treatment. This is called your cancer "prognosis." Your prognosis helps you make decisions about your care.
As part of your cancer care, your doctor may show you survival statistics. This information can help you understand how your disease is likely to progress. The statistics come from the medical histories of large groups of similar cancer patients.
Finding out you have breast cancer can be shocking. You may feel overwhelmed. You may be unsure of what to do next. So let's stop for a moment, take a deep breath and look at the path ahead.
It's difficult to find out you have breast cancer when you're pregnant. You worry about your health, and the health of your baby. Treatment can be complex. Let's talk about the road ahead.
As part of your cancer care, you may have the option to join a clinical trial. This is a research study that tests new ways to treat cancer. It may involve new drugs, new procedures or new ways to use existing treatments. Clinical trials help doctors learn what works best. Let's take a moment to learn more.
For many, one of the hardest parts of a cancer diagnosis is having to tell others about it. You don't want to scare anyone, and you may not want them to feel bad for you. But telling others is an important part of your cancer journey. Here are some tips to help you.
When we say you have "advanced cancer," it usually means your cancer has spread and that it can't be cured. But that doesn't mean it can't be treated. We may be able to slow its spread. And we may be able to help you feel better and live longer. Let's take a moment to learn more.
This program helps you manage the effects of cancer and cancer treatment. It can help with things like weakness, low energy, pain and other issues. Let's take a moment to learn more.
Congratulations, you've finished your cancer treatment. Instead of frequent doctor visits and test results, you can finally start living again. But you may find that life just feels different now. So let's take a few minutes to look at the road ahead.
Sometimes, even when it seems like your cancer treatment has been successful, a few cancer cells manage to survive. These cells can continue to grow in your body. Weeks, months, or even years after your treatment, they can show up on tests. They may be in the same place, nearby, or in a different part of your body. When this happens, we say you've had a cancer "recurrence." Let's take a moment to learn more.
When someone you care about has cancer, your support can make a big difference. But it's not always easy to know the best way to help. So let's take a moment to learn about the things you can do to show someone you care.
When you have cancer, your weight can change dramatically. Some people lose weight without trying, while others gain weight. These changes can happen because of the cancer itself or because of the treatments you get. Let's take a moment to learn more.
