Home > Physical Health > Answering Some Common Questions About Cancer

Answering Some Common Questions About Cancer

By: Beth Morrisey MLIS - Updated: 10 Feb 2016 | comments*Discuss
 
Answering Some Common Questions About Cancer

Cancer. This one word can strike fear into the hardest of hearts and cause entire communities to experience emotions that they may never have dreamed of. Whether you or someone you know is concerned about cancer, is undergoing tests for cancer, or has been diagnosed with cancer, the follow information is a great starting point for any further research on the topic.

What Is Cancer?

Cancer can be a highly misunderstood disease, probably because there are so many different types of cancer and they all result in different signs and symptoms. At the most basic level cancer is simply a disease caused by abnormal and uncontrollable cell division. The resulting onslaught of cells can invade surrounding tissues and cause growths and tumours. When the cells have travelled to further points in the body, the cancer is said to have metastasised and spread. Unfortunately, it is not yet known why some cells divide so dangerously.

What Are Common Types of Cancer?

Many types of cancers exist. Some of the most common types of cancer found in the UK include:

  • Breast cancer
  • Bladder cancer
  • Bowel cancer
  • Cervical cancer
  • Colon and rectal cancer
  • Kidney cancer
  • Leukaemia
  • Lung cancer
  • Ovarian cancer
  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Prostate cancer
  • Skin cancer
  • Stomach cancer
  • Testicular cancer
  • Uterine cancer

How Is Cancer Treated?

The type of treatments available to cancer patients depends not only on scientific breakthroughs, but on the type of cancer being treated and the patient's individual medical history as well. Some of the most common types of cancer treatments include:

  • Surgery - in which the cancer, possibly with healthy surrounding cells, is removed from the body.
  • Chemotherapy - the use of drugs to kill cancerous cells.
  • Radiotherapy - the use of radiation or X-rays to treat cancer.
  • Hormone therapy - the addition, or blocking, of hormones in order to treat the cancer.

How Do I Treat Someone Who Has Been Diagnosed With Cancer?

The most important thing you can do for someone who has been recently diagnosed with cancer is to treat them normally. Be sensitive to their moods and let them cry, complain, or scream as needed, but don't let them dwell on the situation or direct their anger at you personally. Plan a few distracting activities, but be careful not to suggest anything too physically or emotionally draining. Be kind, be gentle, and be patient, but most of all just be there when you are needed.

Cancer is an unfortunate and frightening disease. One way to take the sting out of a cancer test or diagnosis is to learn all that you can about the disease, and focus your energies on beating it. Contact national cancer organisations for more information on the specific type of cancer you are interested in, and gather your family and friends around for support. With the security of such a focused and caring support system in place, any cancer patient will be grateful for your efforts.

You might also like...
Share Your Story, Join the Discussion or Seek Advice..
Why not be the first to leave a comment for discussion, ask for advice or share your story...

If you'd like to ask a question one of our experts (workload permitting) or a helpful reader hopefully can help you... We also love comments and interesting stories

Title:
(never shown)
Firstname:
(never shown)
Surname:
(never shown)
Email:
(never shown)
Nickname:
(shown)
Comment:
Validate:
Enter word:
Topics
Latest Comments
  • mari
    Re: Coping With Strict Parents
    My mom , she always have rules in my life . I am 17 and this year gonna be 18 . My mom all the time taking my phone, checking my…
    18 March 2024
  • help
    Re: Coping With Strict Parents
    I'm already 17 and I'm in love with an 18yo girl with acute depression. But when my parents found out, they want me to stop my…
    6 February 2024
  • help
    Re: Coping With Strict Parents
    I'm already 17 and I'm in love to an 18yo girl with acute depression. When my parents found out, they are forcing me to stop all my…
    6 February 2024
  • Ariana Grande
    Re: Coping with a Jealous Friend
    The friends i keep are mostly male friends, because guys don't easily get jealous. My female friends always envy my life; for…
    27 January 2024
  • shallot
    Re: Coping With Strict Parents
    Yo guys, Im 10 and I just had an argument with my mom, now she won’t help me with my drawing homework and my other writing…
    17 January 2024
  • Emre
    Re: Beauty Tips for Boys
    .
    9 January 2024
  • Leana
    Re: Coping With Strict Parents
    So basically im 17 years old when i was 13 years i used to talk with a male who is 22 years! Because of my daddy issues ive gotten…
    15 December 2023
  • THANK YOU
    Re: Beauty Tips for Boys
    WOW THIS IS GREAT! IT IS VERY HELPFUL!
    6 December 2023
  • was
    Re: Steroids
    where i can buy
    28 November 2023
  • Rhirhi
    Re: Coping With Strict Parents
    I'm a 20 year old , my parents are so strict . I stay at home 24/7 , the only time I get to leave the house is when I'm going to…
    26 November 2023