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Cancer is not just one disease, but a large group of almost 100 diseases. It is a genetic disease, with two main characteristics of uncontrolled growth of the cells in the human body and the ability of those cells to migrate from the original site and spread to distant sites.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine
Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. Cancerous cells are also called malignant cells.
Source:ADAM
Date:September 11, 2006
Understanding CancerThe term "cancer" refers to a group of diseases in which cells grow and spread unrestrained throughout the body. It is difficult to imagine anyone who has not heard about this disease.
Source:StayWell
Cancer is the end product of a multistep process (carcinogenesis) that occurs over many years. The term " cancer " actually refers to numerous distinct diseases characterized by abnormal cell growth and differentiation.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Public Health
Coping With Cancer Through Mind, Body, Spirit and EmotionsWith one out of every two or three people at risk for cancer, as suggested by the American Cancer Society, perhaps it comes as no surprise that the topic of cancer and stress are tightly li...
Source:StayWell
Does Ageism Exist in Cancer Care?What if you had cancer and were not offered a new treatment because of your age?
Source:StayWell
The Gale Encyclopedia of Cancer: A Guide to Cancer and Its Treatments is a unique and invaluable source of information for anyone touched by cancer. This collection of over 450 entries provides in-depth coverage of specific cancer types, diagnostic procedures, treatments, cancer side effects, and cancer drugs.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Cancer
A group of diseases characterized by uncontrollable cell growth. Cancer is a family of diseases in which cells replicate at an extremely rapid pace.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Childhood and Adolescence
No matter what your age or lifestyle, the choices you make today and in the future can improve your chances of living a healthy and cancer-free life.
Source:StayWell
Whether you’re facing major surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy, a second opinion can help ensure you’re getting the most targeted, effective treatment for your condition.
Source:StayWell
If You Are Diagnosed With CancerQuestions for the doctor:What kind of cancer do I have?Is it invasive?
Source:StayWell
Detailed information on the most common diagnostic procedures for cancer
Source:StayWell
Cancer is not just one disease, but a large group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled and abnormal growth of the cells in the human body and the ability of these cells to spread to distant sites (metastasis). If the spread is not controlled, cancer can result in death.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Genetic Disorders Part I
Seek Support if Cancer StrikesA 4-foot northern pike stars in one of actor Rob Lowe's favorite tales about his father."Like many kids, I really enjoyed going on fishing trips with my dad," says Mr.
Source:StayWell
Understanding Cancer StatisticsStatistics are often used in news reports or in talking about someone's risk for getting cancer or whether a treatment will work. These statistics can be confusing or misleading if you do not understand how they are ...
Source:StayWell
Oral Contraceptives and Cancer Risk: Questions and AnswersKey PointsSome cancers depend on naturally occurring sex hormones for their development and growth. Researchers are interested in learning whether the hormones in oral contraceptives affect...
Source:StayWell
Detailed information on cancer, including cancer diagnosis, cancer staging, cancer grading, cancer treatment, cancer surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, immunotherapy, biological therapy, and cancer clinical trials
Source:StayWell
Detailed information on coping with a cancer diagnosis in a child
Source:StayWell
Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled growth of tissue cells in the body and the invasion by these cells into nearby tissue and migration to distant sites. Cancer results from alterations (mutations) in genes that make up DNA, the master molecule of the cell.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Children's Health
The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program of the National Cancer Institute is the most authoritative source of information on cancer incidence and survival in the United States. Established in 1973, SEER originally provided cancer incidence data for Connecticut, Iowa, New Mexico, Utah, and Hawaii, and for the metropolitan areas of Detroit and San Francisco-Oakland.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Public Health
Cyclist Lance Armstrong is proof that you can not only survive cancer, but that you can actually resume a normal livelihood, one of his doctors says.
Source:StayWell
Detailed information on diagnosing cancer in children
Source:StayWell
A Cancer Survivor’s Guide to CaregivingBy Jim RiceAs a rectal cancer survivor, I have had several caregivers. An enterostomal therapy nurse took care of me at the hospital after my colostomy surgery; home health care nurses came to my house for se...
Source:StayWell
Cancer is not just one disease, but a large group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled and abnormal growth of the cells in the human body and the ability of these cells to spread to distant sites (metastasis). If the spread is not controlled, cancer can result in death.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Genetic Disorders Part II
Life as a cancer survivor can be as rich and rewarding as you decide to make it. In fact, increased awareness of mortality is all some people need to feel more alive than ever.
Source:StayWell
Cancer survivors know how important a job can be to their psychological and financial well being. Here are tips to improve the ability to continue working, as well as some ways to handle workplace discrimination during treatment.
Source:StayWell
A Swedish study, over 29 years, finds 33 percent more cases of cancer among obese people than in the general population.
Source:StayWell
Sex and Cancer: Questions for Your DoctorWhat sexual impact should I expect from my cancer or its treatment?How long will these changes last?
Source:StayWell
Nutrition for Patients During Cancer TreatmentNutrition plays a significant role in the treatment of cancer. In fact, you can improve your overall outcome by eating well.
Source:StayWell
Take a Vacation From CancerAugust is a popular time of year for vacations. It's summer, the kids are out of school, and the mountains and beaches are beckoning.
Source:StayWell
Understanding Cancer Screening TestsMost cancers are easier to treat when they are found in their earlier stages. Doctors find cancers when they are small and normally undetectable by using screening tests such as mammography, blood tests, CT scan...
Source:StayWell
Coping With Cancer: The FamilyCancer is a blow to every family it touches. How it is handled is determined to a great extent by how the family has functioned as a unit in the past.Problems within the family can be the most difficult to handle; you...
Source:StayWell
Virtual Colonoscopy: A Noninvasive Option for Cancer ScreeningThis year more than 145,000 new cases of colorectal cancer will be diagnosed in the United States. In a large number of those cases, the cancer will be advanced.
Source:StayWell
Cancer is not just one disease, but a large group of almost one hundred diseases. Its two main characteristics are uncontrolled growth of the cells in the human body and the ability of these cells to migrate from the original site and spread to distant sites.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine
Although some complementary and alternative methods have been scientifically proven to promote healing or reduce symptoms, many have not.
Source:StayWell
Insurance Rights of Cancer SurvivorsWhen cancer strikes, you may start thinking about health insurance in a new light. Chances are, you will use your health insurance more than ever before.
Source:StayWell
Understanding Cancer TestsDoctors use tests like mammography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed tomography (CT) scans to help them screen for, diagnose, treat, and monitor cancer. If you have been diagnosed with cancer, you may have h...
Source:StayWell
Cancer FAQQ: What is cancer?A:Cancer is what happens when a group of cells grows uncontrollably and in an abnormal and disorderly way.
Source:StayWell
Obesity and CancerKey Points:During the last two decades, the percentage of overweight and obese adults and children has been steadily increasing (see Question 2).Lack of physical activity is strongly associated with obesity (see Question 3).In ad...
Source:StayWell
Vasectomy and Cancer RiskSome studies have raised questions about a possible relationship between vasectomy (an operation to cut or tie off the two tubes that carry sperm out of the testicles) and the risk of developing cancer, particularly prosta...
Source:StayWell
Discusses the use of anti-inflammatory drugs in cancer prevention and cites numerous studies on the protective value of NSAIDs and coxibs to a variety of cancers.
Source:StayWell
The ins and outs of screening for testicular and prostate cancers, including an in-depth discussion of the benefits and drawbacks of the leading prostate cancer test, the prostate specific antigen test.
Source:StayWell
Many studies link exercise with a reduced risk of certain types of cancer. The biggest reductions were for colon and breast cancer, but its effect on other cancers is so far inconclusive.
Source:StayWell
Research has found that statin drugs may inhibit the growth of cancer cells in laborotory experiments, but much more research is necessary before any definite benefits can be determined.
Source:StayWell
Detailed information the most common types of surgery to treat cancer, including biopsy, endoscopy, laparoscopy, laparotomy, laser surgery, cryosurgery, electrosurgery, and excisional surgery
Source:StayWell
Detailed information on surgery for prostate cancer, including the different types and potential side effects
Source:StayWell
Detailed information on treating cancer in children
Source:StayWell
Detailed information on the causes of cancer in children
Source:StayWell
Cancer Patient Finds Support, Empowerment OnlineWhen Geri Malter was diagnosed with a retroperitoneal liposarcoma (a rare kind of tumor in the fatty tissues of the abdomen) in 1983, her first thought was, "I need to talk to someone else with this ...
Source:StayWell
Cancer is characterized by uncontrolled growth of cells in the body and the ability of these malignant cells to spread (metastasize) to distant sites within the body. If the spread is not controlled, cancer can result in death.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Nursing and Allied Health
If you have cancer, eating the right kinds of foods can help you feel better and stay stronger. This means foods and beverages that contain vitamins, minerals, protein, carbohydrates, fat and water.
Source:StayWell
Parental Cancer: Questions and Answers About Changes in Family Rhythms and RoutinesIf you are a parent who has recently been diagnosed with cancer, there are few concerns that seem as important or basic as how to help your children cope with all t...
Source:StayWell
Coping With Cancer: IntroductionThe National Cancer Institute provided this guide, originally called "Taking Time," for people with cancer and their loved ones to help them understand their feelings and how they can best cope with living with canc...
Source:StayWell
Coping With Cancer: When You Need AssistanceWhen cancer develops, many people need to learn to ask for and accept outside help for the first time. These are good ways to begin:Take time to ask medical questions of your doctor, nurse specialists, t...
Source:StayWell
Coping With Cancer: Your Self-ImageCancer treatment can extend over weeks or months; side effects may come and go.Side effects can make you feel rotten, even make you think the cancer has returned.The known is less frightening than the unknown. Le...
Source:StayWell
Facing Forward: IntroductionIf you are an adult who is getting on with your life after a diagnosis for cancer, this guide is for you. Whether your treatment took place in childhood, 5 years ago, or last week, you may share common concerns with oth...
Source:StayWell
Facing Forward: Continuing to Care for Your HealthAfter you have been treated for cancer, you will have two ongoing health needs. First, you'll want to take the health steps that doctors suggest for anyone your age.
Source:StayWell
Cancer ClustersKey PointsCancer clusters may be suspected when people report that several family members, friends, neighbors, or coworkers have been diagnosed with the same or related cancers (see Defining Disease Clusters section).Some amount of ...
Source:StayWell
Resources: A Guide for People With Cancer and Their FamiliesYou may want more information for yourself, your family, and your doctor. The following National Cancer Institute (NCI) services are available to help you.TelephoneCancer Information Serv...
Source:StayWell
Follow-up Care: Questions and AnswersIt is natural for anyone who has completed cancer treatment to be concerned about what the future holds. Many people are concerned about the way they look and feel, and about whether the cancer will recur (come...
Source:StayWell
A guide to the tests available for screening colon, lung, and skin cancers, and how to determine whether they're right for you.
Source:StayWell
Herbal and Non-Herbal Supplement Use in the Cancer PatientShark cartilage, green tea extract, phytomelatonin — these may sound like strange remedies for cancer, but they are actually the subjects of major clinical trials in progress. The sup...
Source:StayWell
Cancer is a disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. Around the world, over 10 million cancer cases occur annually.
Source:Gale Nutrition and Well-Being A to Z
Cancer is increasingly viewed as a long-term chronic illness, rather than an acute one.
Source:StayWell
Healing Versus Curing CancerThe words cure and heal are often used interchangeably. The fact is, however, that curing your cancer and healing your cancer are two very different things.
Source:StayWell
Holder of the Golden BucketThe following Inspirational Story was taken fromSilver Linings: The Other Side of Cancer, published by the Oncology Nursing Press, Inc.Since this was an Olympic year, I saw how this simple gesture of love and caring is a...
Source:StayWell
Now! Don't Wait!
Source:StayWell
Living With LonelinessThe following Inspirational Story was taken fromSilver Linings: The Other Side of Cancer, published by the Oncology Nursing Press, Inc."One is the loneliest number that you'll ever know.
Source:StayWell
From Black and White to Full ColorThe following Inspirational Story was taken fromSilver Linings: The Other Side of Cancer, published by the Oncology Nursing Press, Inc.I reflect on the fact that I almost died to show me how much I really wanted t...
Source:StayWell
Cervical Cancer: A Survivor's StoryBy: Debra SicklesMy name is Debra and I was diagnosed with cervical cancer. I underwent a radical hysterectomy at the age of 37.
Source:StayWell
Living With Cancer"I wrote the following twhile undergoing radiation forprostate cancer."--Cal BegunLet's face it, having cancer is never any funIt can be a nightmare for almost everyoneVerily, it's the fear of it that will do the most damage to y...
Source:StayWell
Targeted Therapies Take Aim at CancerAll anticancer drugs target tumors in some way. Most conventional treatments, however, attack healthy cells as well as cancer cells.
Source:StayWell
A Second ChanceThe following Inspirational Story was taken fromSilver Linings: The Other Side of Cancer, published by the Oncology Nursing Press, Inc."Cancer is not a death sentence."
Source:StayWell
Christmas MagicBy Barbara Bartlein, R.N., M.S.WI wish I could tell you that the whole thing happened because I'm caring and unselfish, but that wouldn't be true. It was 1979, and I had just moved back to Wisconsin from Colorado because I missed my...
Source:StayWell
Expert-reviewed information summary about the influence of spirituality and religion on individuals who have cancer. Various approaches for management and intervention are discussed.
Source:StayWell
Coping With Cancer: The World OutsideSome friends will deal well with your illness and provide gratifying support.Some will be unable to cope with the possibility of death and will disappear from your life.Most will want to help but may be uncomfo...
Source:StayWell
Coping With Cancer: Living Each DayEach person must work through, in his or her own way, feelings of possible death, fear, and isolation. Returning to normal routines as much as possible often helps.Give the pleasures and responsibilities of each ...
Source:StayWell
Coping With Cancer: The Years AfterCancer is not something anyone forgets. Anxieties remain as active treatment ceases and the waiting stage begins.
Source:StayWell
Coping With Cancer: Sharing the DiagnosisCancer can be unutterably lonely. No one should try to bear it alone.Patient, family, and friends usually learn the diagnosis sooner or later.
Source:StayWell
Coping With Cancer: Sharing FeelingsSome in the family are able to absorb the impact of diagnosis sooner than others. This can create clashing needs as some wish to talk and some need to be private and introspective.Verbal and nonverbal clues help...
Source:StayWell
Facing Forward: Earning a LivingMany cancer survivors wonder whether having a cancer history will make a difference in their job prospects. Common questions include: Will I be able to return to work?
Source:StayWell
Facing Forward: Taking Care of Your FeelingsWhat kinds of feelings are "normal"? There is no "right" way to feel; the important thing is to handle your emotions in a way that works for you.
Source:StayWell
Facing Forward: Managing Insurance IssuesIf you are like most cancer survivors, the costs of initial treatment and continuing care are a major concern. What happens to insurance coverage and costs after you've had treatment for cancer?
Source:StayWell
Appendix: A Guide for People With Cancer and Their FamiliesPatient NotesDoctor's Name:Address:Phone:Nurse's Name:Address:Phone:Pharmacist's Name:Address:Phone:Social Worker/Therapist:Address:Phone:Questions to Ask:Pain Control RecordYou can use a ...
Source:StayWell
Simian Virus 40 and Human Cancer: Fact SheetKey PointsSimian virus 40 (SV40) is a virus that infects several species of monkeys and typically does not cause symptoms or disease in them.When reports appeared in 1961 that injection of SV40 into hams...
Source:StayWell
Regular exercise may prevent a recurrence of breast or colorectal cancer, or may decrease the risk of dying from the disease. But the reasons for the benefits are unclear.
Source:StayWell
Can cancer be transferred from mother to child in the womb? Jeffrey Ecker, M.D. is an Associate Professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive biology at Harvard Medical School and a member of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Massachusetts General Hospital, where he practices maternal-fetal medicine.
Source:StayWell
Understanding the Late Effects of Cancer and Its TreatmentMore people are surviving cancer than ever before. According to the American Cancer Society, almost 9 million Americans have a history of cancer, many of whom are survivors of childhood can...
Source:StayWell
A continuous process in which multiple alterations occur in genes that control cell division and differentiation that leads to cancer- the uncontrolled division and proliferation of cells. These genetic alterations are referred to as mutations, which are changes in the normal DNA sequence of a particular gene.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Cancer
InsomniaSymptom and DescriptionSeven to eight hours of sleep a night is important for your functioning and well-being. Cancer and cancer treatment can lead to a lack of sleep.Insomnia is a problem in either falling asleep or staying asleep.
Source:StayWell
Appetite StimulationSymptom and Description Loss of appetite is a loss of the desire to eat. Not eating can lead to weight loss.
Source:StayWell
Taste ChangesSymptom and DescriptionChange in taste can be a change in the sensation of sweet, salty, sour, or bitter. A change in the way foods taste may cause a dislike for foods, which may lead to lack of appetite or weight loss.
Source:StayWell
ConstipationSymptom and DescriptionConstipation means being unable to move your bowels, having to push harder to move your bowels, or moving them less often than usual. Bowel movements will be small, dry, and hard.
Source:StayWell
Sample Appeal Letter for Services Denied as 'Not a Covered Benefit'As someone with cancer or a caregiver for someone with cancer, you have enough on your mind without having to worry about payments and insurance. Unfortunately, some insurance comp...
Source:StayWell
Appearance: Taking Control During TreatmentTreatments such as chemotherapy and radiation can damage a person's skin, hair, and nails. Many of these changes will go away after treatment ends.
Source:StayWell
Easy Ways to Show Someone You CareWhether you are a spouse, child, sibling, parent, or friend of a cancer patient, it is important that you never stop expressing your love. Showing how much you care is not only important on holidays and special oc...
Source:StayWell
Compassionate Drug UseA "60 Minutes" episode reported on the controversial topic of "compassionate drug use." Some people with late-stage cancer are hopeful about this practice, which allows them to receive new but unapproved drugs after tradition...
Source:StayWell
Nurturing Your Body From WithinA diagnosis of cancer followed by intense treatments is a big hurdle for a cancer patient to face. Another, perhaps more unexpected hurdle is dealing with body changes.
Source:StayWell
Inspirational PoemsThe following poems were taken fromSilver Linings: The Other Side of Cancer, published by the Oncology Nursing Press, Inc.My Seventh FriendHe left, and I felt loved!My first friend came and expressed his shock by saying, "I can'...
Source:StayWell
World Turned Upside DownThe following Inspirational Story was taken fromSilver Linings: The Other Side of Cancer, published by the Oncology Nursing Press, Inc.Friendships are strengthened as we walk through the valley of cancer.I never really unde...
Source:StayWell
CyberSistersThe following Inspirational Story was taken fromSilver Linings: The Other Side of Cancer, published by the Oncology Nursing Press, Inc.Just reach out, turn on your computer, and open up a whole new world!My husband and I waited for wha...