Understanding Cancer
The word cancer refers to changes in the body's cells that cause
them to grow out of control. These cells can grow very fast and spread,
eventually crowding out normal cells and damaging entire systems of the
body.
Cancer can occur in almost any cell. It begins with damaged DNA, the "building
block of life" that controls all cell functions, including when to divide
(reproduce) and when to die. When DNA is damaged, cells can divide rapidly
or outlive normal cells. Most of the time, the body's immune system recognizes
these damaged cells and destroys them. However, if this normal process
does not happen, a tumor can grow.
A tumor is a mass, or collection, of cells. Tumors can be benign or malignant.
- Benign tumors are noncancerous. They can grow, but they do not invade
surrounding tissues or travel to other areas of the body.
- Malignant tumors are cancerous. Very different from normal cells, cancer cells can invade
nearby tissue. They also can travel to areas away from the original (primary)
site and grow in other parts of the body. This is called metastasis.
Causes of Cancer
Although every patient and family member wants to know what causes cancer,
the reason people develop cancer is not well-understood.
There are some known carcinogens, materials that can cause
cancer, but many are still undiscovered. We do not know why some people
who are exposed to carcinogens get cancer and others do not. The length
and amount of exposure are believed to affect one's chances of developing
a disease, such as with cigarette smoking and lung cancer, but here again,
much remains to be understood.
Genetics can also play an important role in whether an individual develops
cancer. For example, heredity is a risk factor in some kinds of breast
cancer. Bottom line: There may be one or more possible causes of your
cancer.
Treating Cancer
Because cancer is a complicated disease that takes many different forms,
it is treated in many different ways. Treatment is tailored to the specific needs of
the person receiving it.
Cancer treatments vary depending upon four (4) main factors:
- Type of cancer
- Stage of cancer
- Your overall condition
- Goal of treatment
Your doctor will determine the stage and grade of your cancer. Learn
about staging
and grading of cancer.
The goals of cancer treatment also vary:
- Cure
- Prolong life
- Reduce unwanted symptoms or effects of the cancer
Your doctor may recommend one or more treatments to achieve your goals.
Increasingly, it is common to use several treatments at the same time
or in sequence in order to prevent both local recurrence and recurrence
throughout the body. This is referred to as a multi-modality treatment.
Cancer treatments are also referred to as modalities. Modalities
include chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy, biological therapy,
and hormone therapy. Chemotherapy is one of the best ways to help you
achieve your treatment goals.
Find out about treating cancer with chemotherapy.
Your doctor may also discuss combining your chemotherapy with other
treatments. Learn about treating
cancer in other ways.
Reasons to Be Optimistic
As you move beyond the initial shock of learning that you have cancer
to begin the journey of surviving cancer, you have many good reasons
to be optimistic. Science and medicine have made—and continue to make—tremendous
progress in treating cancer and in making treatments more manageable,
both physically and emotionally. Chemotherapy is one of the most significant
advances in the history of medicine. For millions of people, it helps
treat their cancer effectively and helps them enjoy full, productive
lives. However, chemotherapy is not without side effects and risks. Learn
how to best manage chemotherapy
side effects.
No one would call having cancer or undergoing chemotherapy a normal
experience, but by proactively managing your treatment, including potential
side effects, you can help ensure that your life stays as close to normal
as possible.
Don't forget: You are not alone. Fighting cancer is a team effort that
involves family, friends, and your health care team.
UNDERSTANDING CANCER
TREATING CANCER WITH CHEMOTHERAPY
CHEMOTHERAPY SIDE EFFECTS
TREATING CANCER IN OTHER WAYS
TRACKING YOUR TEST RESULTS
UNDERSTANDING INSURANCE AND TAX ISSUES: INSURANCE TIPS
WEB RESOURCES AND ORGANIZATIONS
TOOLS FOR ORGANIZING YOUR CANCER INFORMATION
FOR CAREGIVERS
GLOSSARY OF CANCER TERMS
REGISTER FOR PROGRAMS
FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS
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