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Common questions about cancer:
What is cancer?
Cancer is a group of over 100 different diseases. All forms of cancer involve abnormal cells that grow and spread in a manner that is out of control. Unlike normal body cells, cancerous cells accumulate and can form tumors that may compress, invade, and destroy normal tissue. Cancer is classified by the part of the body in which it began and by its appearance under a microscope. Different types of cancer vary in their rates of growth, patterns of spread, and responses to different types of treatment.
Can cancer be prevented?
Many cancers that are related to outside factors, such as diet and cigarette smoking, can be prevented. Others, such as those with inherited risk factors, are unavoidable. About 80% of all cancers are related to the use of tobacco products, to what we eat and drink, and to a lesser extent, to exposure to radiation or cancer-causing agents in the environment or workplace. Getting regular checkups is recommended so that, if cancer develops, it is likely to be found early.
Is cancer hereditary?
Not all types of cancer are hereditary. Some types of cancer can be inherited, such as breast, ovarian, colon, and lung. If you have a family history of cancer, you should talk to your doctor about your potential risk factors and the screenings available to help detect the disease early.
Who is at risk for getting cancer?
Anyone can be at risk for getting cancer. Since the occurrence of cancer increases as individuals get older, most cases affect middle-aged or older people. Nearly 80% of all cancers are diagnosed at ages 55 and up. Men have a 1 in 2 lifetime risk of developing cancer and, for women, the risk is 1 in 3. Cancer develops gradually as a result of a complex mix of factors related to environment, lifestyle, and heredity. Many risk factors that increase the chance of getting cancer have been identified through research, many of these risk factors can be avoided. Others, such as inherited risk factors, cannot.
How do I know my primary physician is screening me properly for cancer symptoms?
There are guidelines that should be followed for early detection of certain types of cancer. For instance, breast, cervical, prostate, colon, rectum and skin cancers all have specific screenings available that allow for detection before the diseases cause major symptoms. Dependent upon your age, medical history, family history, general health, and lifestyle, your doctor may recommend that you be screened for a specific type of cancer.
Be sure to talk to your physician about your specific situation and which screenings, if any, are appropriate for you.
What questions should I ask my oncologist if cancer is diagnosed?
When cancer is diagnosed, patients have many, many questions. The best thing to do is to write them down in a notebook, and bring it with you to your appointment. You may want to ask a family member or friend to accompany you to take notes. Here are 5 questions you will want to ask:
- Where is your cancer located and has it spread to other parts of the body?
- In what stage is the cancer?
- What are your treatment options? How successful are these treatments?
- What side effects, if any, might you experience during treatment? What medicines are available for these side effects?
- Will you have to change your normal activities?
What is a clinical trial? Would this be appropriate for me?
A clinical trial is a research study offered in many hospitals, clinics, and physician practices in which people help doctors find ways to improve health and cancer care. Each study tries to answer scientific questions and to find better ways to prevent, diagnose, or treat cancer. Many times, studies are done with cancer patients in order to find out whether promising approaches to treatment are safe and effective. Others may be done with people who don’t have cancer to study new methods of cancer prevention and diagnosis.
There are various types of trials: treatment, prevention, screening, and quality-of-life. Ask your physician if a clinical trial is an appropriate avenue for your particular situation.
Will I have to change my normal activities?
Patients react differently to cancer and its treatment. The level of activity you can maintain will depend upon your particular situation. While it is true that some people have a difficult course of cancer treatment, there are also many patients who maintain their daily activities with some minor modifications. Be sure to ask your physician about this.
Will my treatment have side effects?
Cancer treatments vary widely, depending on the type and stage of cancer, the age of the patient, and medical history. Cancer treatment damages the cancerous cells, but it can also damage healthy cells and tissues as well. Therefore, it may cause unpleasant side effects, or symptoms. Some symptoms can be mild, while others may be more severe. Be sure to discuss your particular situation with your physician.
Is there help for cancer patients who have symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and depression as a result of cancer and its treatment?
Common symptoms caused by cancer and its treatment can include pain, nausea, vomiting, depression, fatigue, loss-of-appetite, anxiety, and insomnia. If left unrecognized or untreated, these symptoms can affect a cancer patient’s quality of life and their ability to participate in daily activities. Great strides have been made through psycho-oncology and quality-of-life research to alleviate these symptoms using various types of screening tools and therapies. Quite often, these therapies include the non-traditional use of traditional drugs. Talk to your oncologist or oncology nurse for more information.
How will I pay for my cancer treatment?
If you have health insurance or a supplemental policy, chances are very good it will cover a high percentage of ongoing treatment. Medicare also covers most cancer treatments. If you don’t have one of these plans, you should talk to your physician, oncologist, or oncology nurse to inquire about other types assistance and payment options available to you.
What is hospice care?
Hospice care focuses on providing humane and compassionate care for people in the last phases of incurable disease, so that they may live as fully and comfortably as possible. Hospice care is family-centered and enables the patient and family to make joint decisions about care. This can be provided in an individual's home, a hospital, a nursing home, or a private hospice facility.
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