Oncologist-approved cancer information from the American Society of Clinical Oncology

All About Cancer Header

This section is designed to help people with cancer and their families better understand the disease, its causes and its treatment.

All About Cancer

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Newly Diagnosed

Doctors use many tests to diagnose cancer and determine which treatments may be the most effective. Some of the diagnostic tests that are used include imaging tests, surgical tests, and blood tests.

Risk Factors and Prevention

It is estimated that one-third of deaths from cancer can be prevented. Learn about ways to prevent and lower your risk of cancer, including information about chemoprevention, cancer screening, diet and nutrition, physical activity, tobacco, and weight control, based on information from the ASCO Curriculum Cancer Prevention.

Genetics

Genetics is the study of how traits and diseases are inherited from one generation to the next. This section provides information on genetics and cancer, genetic testing, and genetic information for individual cancer types.

Treating Cancer

Overall, the treatment of cancer depends on the size and location of the tumor, whether the cancer has spread, and the person's health. The most common cancer treatments are surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

Clinical Trials

Information on clinical trials and patient safety, steps involved in the research process, questions to ask the research team, and links to find cancer clinical trials.

Managing the Cost of Cancer Care

Find information, tools, and resources to help patients manage the financial impact of a cancer diagnosis. Includes information on 2010 health reform law.

© 2005-2012 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). All rights reserved worldwide.