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Cancer Basics
Find out about the basics of cancer care, particularly helpful if you or a loved one has been newly diagnosed with cancer.
March 18, 2013
A pathology report is a medical document written by a pathologist, a doctor who specializes in interpreting laboratory tests and evaluating cells, tissues, and organs to diagnose disease. The report specifies a diagnosis based on the pathologist’s examination of a sample of tissue taken from the patient’s tumor.
March 11, 2013
Cancer is a disease that requires specialized treatment, so it is important to find a treatment center that meets your specific needs. This includes finding the right oncologist and finding the right treatment center.
February 26, 2013
There are many different ways chemotherapy (the use of drugs to kill cancer cells) and other drugs to treat the cancer and manage the symptoms can be given to a person with cancer. One of the most common ways is intravenously, meaning the drug goes into a vein. Veins used in intravenous (IV) therapy can be in the arms, neck, or chest.
February 20, 2013
During and after cancer treatment, people may have one or more medications to take at home. These medications include drugs to help relieve side effects, such as pain, as well as drugs to treat the cancer. Because these are powerful medications, they can be extremely harmful if they are taken by someone other than the patient. Therefore, it is important that both patients and their caregivers are aware of the safest ways to store and dispose of the specific medications used during cancer treatment.
January 30, 2013
A vast amount of information about cancer is available through the Internet and other sources. However, many things you hear from websites, chat rooms, and conversations with friends are inaccurate. Check with your doctor or another credible medical source to verify the accuracy of the claims you hear or read.
January 6, 2013
The relationship between race, ethnicity, and breast cancer is complex. Many studies have shown that women of different racial and ethnic backgrounds have different rates of developing and surviving breast cancer, but the reasons for this difference aren't always clear.
November 29, 2012
Oncology nurses are an important part of the health care team and work in all areas of cancer care. Oncology nurses combine their scientific knowledge, technical skills, and caring to help people living with cancer and their families throughout the cancer journey—from diagnosis and treatment to survivorship and end-of-life care.
September 19, 2012
Being a self-advocate involves taking an active role in your cancer care. It can be a positive experience, often giving a sense of control in a time of uncertainty. Self-advocacy doesn't have to be time-consuming or difficult; it can be as simple as asking more questions at a doctor's appointment. Furthermore, being a self-advocate doesn't mean that you alone are responsible for your cancer care. In fact, it commonly involves seeking additional support from others, including friends, family members, and health care professionals.
July 2, 2012
When researching cancer treatments, you will likely come across advertisements for products or services that claim to prevent, treat, or cure cancer. The claims made on the Internet and on TV often sound like they are cures for cancer. However, before investing time and money in any of them, it’s important to evaluate the claims carefully and talk with your doctor.
May 23, 2012
Personalized medicine involves selecting treatments based on a person’s unique genetic makeup and the genetic makeup of the tumor. By performing more genetic tests and analysis, doctors may customize treatment to each patient’s needs.