Cancer

The conventional, main methods of treating cancer are surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and immunotherapy/biological therapy. Your healthcare provider will determine which treatment or treatments are best for you. ...more

The first step in preparing for your cancer treatment is to find an oncologist and treatment center. Ask your general or primary healthcare provider for a referral or contact government and professional medical organizations, such as your state's health department, the National Cancer Institute, or the American Medical Association, for information on cancer specialists and treatment centers in your area. ...more

As more and more people survive longer, we are seeing new problems develop from the cancer or its treatment. These problems are called late effects. ...more

While you can find prescription medicines online, consumer beware! Here's what to watch out for if you are interested in purchasing online medicines. ...more

Your cancer treatment may involve several types of healthcare professionals who, with you, form your cancer care team. ...more

Questions to ask your healthcare provider if you are considering chemotherapy....more

Because anticancer medicines are made to kill growing cells, they also affect normal, fast-growing cells such as blood cells forming in the bone marrow and cells in the digestive tract, reproductive system, and hair follicles. Some anticancer medicines may affect cells of vital organs, such as the heart, kidney, bladder, lungs, and nervous system. ...more

The radiology team is led by 1 or more radiologists. Radiologists interpret the results of exams, do certain procedures, consult with other healthcare providers in other specialties, and make sure of the overall quality performance of the entire team. ...more

Read on to learn about the role of the radiologist....more

Nuclear medicine is a specialized area of radiology. It uses very small amounts of radioactive materials to examine organ function and structure. This branch of radiology is often used to help diagnose and treat abnormalities very early in the progression of a disease, such as thyroid cancer. ...more

External beam therapy is a type of therapeutic radiology that is delivered externally from a machine directed to the cancer inside the patient. Examples of external beam therapy machines include linear accelerators, cobalt machines, or orthovoltage X-ray machines. ...more

Brachytherapy is radiation treatment that is given directly into your body. It is placed as close to the cancer as possible. The radiation is given using tiny devices, such as wires, seeds, or rods filled with radioactive materials. These devices are called implants. ...more

Learn about the 3 types of radiosurgery. This treatment uses focused beams of radiation to treat cancer tissues without making a surgical cut (incision). It's called surgery because it creates a result similar to an actual surgical procedure. ...more

One newer therapy combines radiation and chemotherapy, because in some cases, radiation may improve the effects of chemotherapy, and vice versa. Another therapy uses external beam radiation during surgery to treat cancerous tumors or certain other forms of cancer. ...more

Questions to ask your healthcare provider if you are having radiation therapy....more

With some cancers, people are given hormone therapy as soon as cancer is diagnosed, before any other treatment. It may shrink a tumor, or it may halt the advance of the disease. In some cancers, such as prostate cancer, hormone therapy helps ease the painful and distressing symptoms of advanced disease. ...more

Here are some questions to ask your healthcare provider about hormonal therapy....more

The female hormones estrogen and progesterone promote the growth of some breast tumors. Hormonal therapy may be given to block these hormones from stimulating tumor growth. ...more

One type of surgery for cancer is curative. This procedure takes out the cancerous tumor or growth from the body. Surgeons use curative surgery when the cancerous tumor is in 1 certain part of the body. This type of treatment is often the main treatment. But other types of cancer treatments, such as radiation, may be used before or after the surgery. ...more

It's important to communicate your feelings, questions, and concerns with your healthcare provider before having surgery. Take notes, or ask a family member or friend to go with you and take notes for you. Here are some questions to get you started. ...more

How should you prepare for surgery? That depends on the type of surgery and type of anesthesia that will be used. Read on to learn more. ...more

The surgical team is made up many providers. These include a surgeon, an anesthesiologist, a certified registered nurse anesthetist, and an operating room nurse. Read on to learn more....more

Many surgeons order routine lab tests before surgery. These tests help find possible problems that might complicate surgery if not found and treated early. ...more

During surgery, you will be given some form of anesthesia - medication administered for the relief of pain and sensation during surgery. The type and dosage of anesthesia is determined by the anesthesiologist. ...more

The decision to have surgery is an important one. Here is a checklist to help you prepare. You'll need to arrange a time for any preoperative lab tests and for an interview with the anesthesiologist. Check with your health plan regarding costs and coverage of the surgery. ...more

It's normal to expect a certain amount of pain after surgery, but if the pain does not subside with pain medication, you may have a more serious problem. Your doctors and nurses will ask about your pain because they want you to be comfortable. ...more

Detailed information on bone marrow transplant, including preparation, types of transplant, transplant team, and possible procedure-related complications or side effects. ...more

Sometimes called antiangiogenic therapy, this treatment may prevent the growth of cancer by blocking the formation of new blood vessels. ...more

Heat therapy may help shrink tumors by damaging cells or depriving them of what they need to live. Research studies are underway to determine the use and effectiveness of hyperthermia in cancer treatment. ...more

Laser therapy can be used to cut a very tiny area to remove very small cancers without damaging surrounding tissue. Lasers also are used to apply heat to tumors to shrink them. They are sometimes used with medicines that are activated by laser light to kill cancer cells. ...more

A combination of medicines that work in different ways is the main treatment for multiple myeloma....more

Being involved in a clinical trial has risks and benefits. Being informed and asking lots of questions can help you make a decision. ...more

Here is a primer on health research so you can better understand human studies....more

Complementary medicine is used along with other therapies. It often serves to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. Alternative medicine is used alone, without standard treatment. ...more

Here is a brief explanation of 10 different complementary cancer therapies....more

Biofeedback is a method used to improve health by controlling certain body processes that normally happen involuntarily. It does not appear to affect cancer cells, but it has helped patients reduce severity and occurrence of headaches and chronic pain. ...more

No dietary changes have been found to cure cancer, but good nutrition is an essential part of your treatment plan. Talk with your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian before trying any dietary supplements. ...more

Art, dance, music—all are examples of mind-body therapy. Although these therapies do not cure cancer, they provide an outlet for emotions and can improve mental and physical well-being. ...more

Distraction does not cure cancer, but it can help push a person’s mind away from unpleasant thoughts, procedures, and pain. ...more

Yoga means "union"—a union of the mind, body, and spirit—and uses slow movement, precise posture, meditation, and breathing exercises to reach a state of relaxation. ...more

Exercise offers benefits for many people with cancer. Read on to learn how physical activity may help you, what safety steps to take, exercise tips for cancer survivors, and more. ...more