CancerAnswers:General Cancer Treatment Information

General Cancer Treatment Information

This information is provided to you by CancerAnswers, an organization dedicated to educating physicians and the public about cancer. Our purpose in this publication is to increase your knowledge about cancer. We can tell you, in plain English, what cancer is, what seems to cause it, how it is evaluated and treated, and what you can do about it as a patient or if you are concerned about someone who has cancer.

We want to provide a sound background on cancer that will enable you to make the proper decisions for your treatment. Basic questions like "How common is Cancer?" and "What exactly is cancer?" have been answers by our staff physicians, the same cancer doctors that provide our specific documents.

How does a malignant tumor spread?

While the ability to spread is what makes cancer so dangerous, the cancer itself rarely kills. Rather, death comes from it's effects upon the body-- specifically anemia (low blood elements), infection, and debility. Since all of these are treatable to some degree with modern medicine, patients may live for many years with a diagnosis of incurable cancer.

What causes or increases the risk for getting cancer?

While no one knows for certain why a particular person gets cancer, the link above points to things known to increase the risk of cancer.

What are the most common symptoms of cancer?

While any of the above symptoms are most likely to be something other than cancer, it is important to "rule-out" a cancer problem early, when it is easiest to treat. For instance, only 1/3 of breast tumors that look like cancer on a mammogram are actually cancerous, but they must all be checked for cancer. It is very sad when a patient comes in with an advanced cancer, which has caused them symptoms for a long time, but was ignored when it could be "nipped in the bud".

How is the extent of cancer gauged?

What are the common treatments for cancer?

Conventional treatments for cancer include surgery, radiation treatments, chemotherapy and hormonal therapy. Alternative Therapies are also available. These treatments may be combined together to be more effective; this is called a "multi-modality" approach. The general principles of each of these therapies are available by following the above links. There is no conspiracy preventing standard physicians from acknowledging alternative treatments which may work. As a cancer doctor, I can attest that my colleagues and I would happily give the patient anything we knew could help. We feel for them and their families, and too feel a sense of helplessness and frustration when our therapy proves ineffective. We are not trained about alternative treatments in medical school, but if you feel that it will help, and it is reasonable, by all means use it!

What should I do if I or a loved one is diagnosed with cancer?

A diagnosis of cancer is often met with shock and trepidation-- it sounds awful! However, it is important to realize that there are many types of cancers, of varying aggressiveness and deadliness. They can't all be lumped together, anymore than a mild fender-bender can be consi- dered with a major plane crash, even though they are both "accidents". It is crucial to find out certain pieces of information for the patient who has cancer. This infor- mation is the most potent prescription for dealing with a cancer problem, or any other health concern.