Cancer Guide
Cancer is a large group of diseases that can start in almost any organ or tissue of the body. Cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably, go beyond their usual boundaries and/or spread to other organs. The latter process is called metastasizing.
- Get routine screenings. Talk to your doctor about when to begin screening tests like a mammogram, colonoscopy or PAP test.
- Quit smoking. If you are a smoker, one of the best things you can do for your health is to quit.
- Gather your support network. This can be family and/or friends. Lean on them when you need help. Ask them to come to doctor visits with you. Ask them to help with housework and chores when you need rest.
- There are many types of cancer treatment. The types of treatment that you receive will depend on the type of cancer you have and how advanced it is. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides information about different cancer treatments.
- Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells
- Hormone therapy is a treatment that slows or stops the growth of breast and prostate cancers that use hormones to grow.
- Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that helps your immune system fight cancer.
- Radiation therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors
- When used to treat cancer, surgery is a procedure in which a surgeon removes cancer from your body.
- Have you been diagnosed with cancer? Are you caring for a loved one diagnosed with cancer? The American Cancer Society can help. Call the American Cancer Society’s 24/7 support hotline at 1-800-227-2345.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers resources about different cancers.
- The National Cancer Institute offers information and support for different cancers.