People who have a friend with cancer are often interested in how they can best provide help and support. In this article, get suggestions for ways to show your support, ideas for providing practical help, and suggestions for thoughtful gifts.

Some veterans of the U.S. armed forces were exposed to substances that were later found to cause cancer. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has identified these substances, such as ionizing radiation and Agent Orange, and has created programs to help veterans receive health care related to the exposure of these substances. This article discusses Agent Orange (used during the Vietnam War), veterans of recent conflicts, and questions to ask the doctor.

Some veterans of the U.S. armed forces may have been exposed to substances, such as ionizing radiation and Agent Orange, that are known to cause cancer. Many veterans who were exposed to these agents several decades ago are now at an age where cancer may develop. In this two-part series, read about the link between some agents and cancer, programs to help veterans, and get a list of questions to ask the doctor.

For many people with cancer, connecting with others provides emotional support and inspiration during this challenging time.What might help is to join an online community where you can connect with others. Joining an online community also makes it easier to keep friends and family updated on your situation.

Counseling can be a way for someone to better understand and resolve a pressing issue or concern. Counseling can also help explore longstanding problems unrelated to the disease that may have come to the surface during the cancer experience. Read more ways that counseling can help people with cancer and those who care about them.

Whether you're a cancer survivor, or a family member or friend of someone living with cancer, you have a lot of valuable, first-hand experience on coping that can help other people with cancer and their families and friends. Consider becoming a volunteer for a cancer organization or another type of organization that interests you, or offer to help someone you know who is coping with cancer in your community.

An abstract is a summary of a research study that allows readers to quickly learn about the important aspects of a study. In medical journals, an abstract is usually presented at the beginning of the published article. Although the intended audiences for most abstracts are medical and scientific professionals, it is becoming more common for patients and their friends and family members to read abstracts while learning about cancer and researching treatment options.

Learn about organizations that offer “buddy programs” where you can be matched with a survivor of the same type of cancer to get one-on-one support throughout your cancer treatment.

Cancer is a disease that affects a person’s physical and emotional health. Fortunately, counseling can help reduce stress, improve coping and decision-making skills, and improve overall quality of life.

The beginning of a new year is the perfect time to take control of your health and develop a strategy that will help you reach your goals for the coming year. Here are seven tips to help you have a healthier and happier new year.