Living with Cancer

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.

Watch this video to learn what Metastasis means in cancer care.

Watch this video to learn what Immunotherapy means in cancer care.

Watch this video to learn about what infusion means in cancer care.

Watch this video to learn what port means in cancer care.

Watch this video to learn what a Biopsy means in cancer care.

Watch this video to learn what adjuvant therapy means in cancer care.

Watch this video to learn what T-Cell means in cancer care.

Watch this video to learn what stage means in cancer cancer.

Watch this video to learn the importance of finding and using resources to support your emotional and physical challenges while having cancer treatment.

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.

Radiation therapy is often used as a treatment against cancer. IMRT is a form of radiation therapy. Depending on your treatment goals, IMRT may be used to help treat your cancer. This sheet tells you more about IMRT and what to expect.

Intraperitoneal (IP) therapy is a treatment for cancer in the stomach. Learn more detailed information here.

Targeted therapy uses medicines that are aimed at the cancer cell specifically. Because of this, targeted therapy may cause fewer side effects. There are many kinds of targeted therapy medicines. They work differently on different types of cancers.

Brachytherapy is a treatment for cancer. Implants are used that attack the tumor from inside the body. This treatment can help slow the growth of a tumor. It can help ease pain and other symptoms caused by the tumor. Learn more about this treatment and what to expect.

Chemotherapy medicines can be harmful if they touch skin. So you need to make sure caregivers and others close to you are not exposed to body fluids during a treatment and for up to 48 hours afterward.

Sometimes, even when you follow treatment plans and have great care, cancer may come back. Know that it's not your fault if you have a cancer recurrence.

Even with insurance, cancer treatment can be expensive. Thankfully, there are resources that can help.

While breast cancer can appear at any time in men, it's often found in those older than age 50.

Cancer can be difficult for your child and family members to grasp. Try to be patient and empathetic with every member of your family.

A rare cancer is one that affects fewer than 40,000 people per year in the U.S. Because these cancers are rare, it might be harder to find information about them.

If you've been diagnosed with cancer, you might be overwhelmed by the amount of questions you have. You could be wondering more about your condition, how to take care of yourself, and many other things.

This video will list some common emotions people often experience when given a cancer diagnosis, and will offer some tools that can help you manage the anxiety, shock, and depression that comes along with navigating through this time.

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.

Watch this video to learn how to share your cancer diagnosis with family and friends, how to ask for support, and the kinds of support you need during treatment.

This video is a patient story about Stephanie, who had colon cancer.

After watching this video, the viewer will know the importance of being at the center of their cancer treatment and making decisions along their journey.

After watching this video, the viewer will understand the importance of clinical trials and if they may want to ask their healthcare team about getting into one.

After watching this video, the viewer will understand the importance of having support during cancer diagnosis and treatment and beyond.

This video is a patient story about Andrew, who had lymphoma.

This video will give the patient a good idea of how a treatment plan is created, who is involved in putting the plan together and what questions to ask about your plan.

As part of your cancer treatment, you may have the option to take part in a clinical trial. This is a study of a drug or a procedure, usually one that has not yet been approved for widespread use. Clinical trials help doctors determine which treatments are effective and which are not.

Explains what clinical trials are, why they are essential to improving cancer care, how the safety and rights of participants are protected, who is responsible for which costs, and potential risks and benefits of taking part. © National Cancer Institute

Explains the importance of tissue donation, addresses potential concerns, and encourages patients to speak with their healthcare provider about donating samples. © National Cancer Institute

Explains what tissue donation is and covers things you should know and think about when deciding to donate your tissue to research. Tissue can include materials from your body such as skin, hair, nails, blood, and urine. © National Cancer Institute

Cancer recurrence is when the cancer you were treated for comes back. This may happen any time after your treatment has finished.

Having cancer once does not mean you won't have cancer again in the future. Anyone who has had cancer has a risk for developing a new kind of cancer someday. This is known as a second cancer.

It can be hard to decide on a treatment for your type of cancer. Before starting treatment, you may want to have a second doctor review your diagnosis and treatment options.

A helpful overview guide to understanding what cancer is.

Going to regular healthcare appointments is just one way you can take care of yourself.

One of the most important steps to take after a cancer diagnosis is finding the right place to get treatment.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, you're likely feeling overwhelmed or scared. The oncology nurse navigator (ONN) is a compassionate healthcare team membe who can see you through treatments and hospital visits. The ONN will guide you on your path through cancer care.

Lymphedema is a problem that may occur after cancer surgery, or after radiation to the lymph nodes. It has no cure, but you can take steps to reduce or relieve symptoms.

When levels of healthy red blood cells (RBCs) in the body drop to levels that are below normal, the condition is called anemia. Anemia can occur during cancer and its treatment for many reasons.

When you are facing cancer treatment, you may have questions about how cancer care may harm your ability to have children.. Learn how you can take steps to protect your reproductive health.

When you are facing cancer treatment, you may have questions about how cancer care may harm your ability to have children. If you are thinking about having a child at some point, you can take steps to protect your reproductive health.

Lymphedema is a buildup of lymph fluid that causes swelling. It can happen if lymph nodes or lymph vessels are removed or damaged.

You don't have to accept pain as a normal part of having cancer of getting cancer treatment. There are many different medicines available to help you. These medicines come in many forms, including pills, patches, and a special pump. Here's what you need to know.

After cancer treatment ends, you may find that you still feel tired and unable to do the things you want and need to do. Cancer-related fatigue is a very common problem for cancer survivors. It may last for months or even years after cancer treatment ends.

Lymphedema is swelling in part of the body that may occur after cancer surgery or radiation. It's an ongoing (chronic) condition that has no cure. But you can do things to help reduce your risk for lymphedema.

Pain is a common side effect of cancer and cancer treatment. But sometimes people have pain even after cancer is gone and treatment is over. This can cause problems with daily life and make it harder to function or enjoy things.

Cancer treatment often causes mouth problems or affects your oral health. It can cause problems such as sores, pain, infection, saliva changes, and dry mouth.

Peripheral neuropathy is a common problem caused by cancer treatment. Peripheral neuropathy can cause pain, numbness, tingling, and other problems around the body.

When someone with cancer is getting close to the end of their life, you may see some fast changes, or it can be a slow process. Preparing for these changes will help you ensure your loved one is as comfortable as they can be during their final days.

During your cancer treatment, there are strategies you can use to make each day a little bit easier..

Cancer is a life-altering experience. Emotional support plays a big role in coping with the challenges that come with it.

Here's some advice to help you share your cancer news with others when you're ready.

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.

You can't fight cancer alone. Reach out. Seek support from family, friends, and others who care about you. Let other people assist you. It can help you feel better both during and after your treatment.

Now that you are facing treatment for cancer, you may have concerns that you want to share. If you do want to talk, you may not know how to start. These ideas may help.

This video will teach people the importance of getting the proper nutrients during cancer treatment, and which foods will help them get those nutrients.

This video will teach people the importance of staying hydrated during cancer treatment, and how to get enough fluids.

This video will teach viewers how to manage unpleasant food and drink tastes during cancer treatment.

Covers how diet needs differ for people with cancer, common eating problems that may occur, tips for handling food safely during treatment, how health care providers can help manage eating problems, and tips for managing problems at home. © National Cancer Institute

During cancer treatment, you need enough calories and protein. But the foods you choose can also help you cope with side effects of cancer and its treatment. Here's what you need to know.

Now that cancer treatment is done, you have the power to make yourself even stronger and healthier. It starts by fueling your body with nutritious foods and getting plenty of movement in your day.

A survivorship care plan is your personal map to life as a cancer survivor. It can give you confidence and peace of mind as you move forward.

If you're thinking of trying to get pregnant, talk with your healthcare team about what you can expect. Your situation will be unique to you and your cancer journey.

Be patient with yourself as you get used to your life after cancer. It may take time for you to feel a sense of normalcy again.

After watching this video, the viewer will know that treatment is not the end and hear some tips on healthy living after treatment.

Watch this video to know the importance of reducing your risks of infections during cancer treatment.

Watch this video to learn the importance of quitting smoking if you have cancer.

Watch this video to learn how to manage your diabetes during cancer treatment.

After cancer treatment, eating a healthy diet, staying at a healthy weight, and getting regular physical activity are key parts of your recovery.

A survivorship care plan is a personalized document to help you move forward after cancer treatment.

Many men have changes in their sex life after cancer treatment. You may have both physical and emotional side effects.

Many women have changes in their sex life after cancer treatment. You may have both physical and emotional side effects.

Cancer can affect a man's ability to have children (fertility). A man is considered infertile if he is unable to get a partner pregnant after a year of unprotected sex. Read on to learn more.

After you finish cancer treatment, what's next? Cancer treatment keeps getting better. Millions of people are now living life after cancer.

Some cancer treatments include taking out a woman's ovaries, or causing them to stop working. This can lead to menopause symptoms that can cause problems with everyday life. But there are things you can do to manage menopause after cancer.

You have rights under federal and state laws to help you buy and keep coverage. But these rights are not comprehensive, and they may vary depending on where you live, what kind of coverage you have or seek, and other factors.

Covers the feelings and concerns of people with cancer and their families. © National Cancer Institute

Tips on what to say to your friends, how to deal with stress, and where to find support - as well as information about cancer and cancer treatments, for young people who have a parent with cancer. © National Cancer Institute