- Are all cancers terminal?
- A hundred years ago, cancer was most always fatal. But not today. Many types of cancers are relatively easy to treat, and there is little chance that they will re-occur. One of the best steps than anyone can take is to undergo regular check-ups with their physician. The earlier that cancer is detected, the faster treatment can begin. Thus, the likelihood for a better outcome is also increased.
- Do you have to be old to get cancer?
- While some cancers are more closely associated with specific age groups, cancer can affect people of any age, from children through seniors. It also affects people of all genders, races, economic backgrounds and education levels.
- I know things like smoking or asbestos may cause cancer; are all cancers caused by external toxins?
- It’s true that some cancers are specifically related to the ingestion of certain chemicals or toxins. Cigarettes, for instance, have been found to cause more than 90% of lung cancer, and are also related to pancreatic, kidney and other cancers. But not all cancers are caused by external substances. Some people, because of their family history and other factors, are predisposed to develop cancers and may do so regardless of lifestyle.
- Can cancer be prevented?
- No cancer can be absolutely prevented in any population. However, there are certainly steps that you can take to lower your risk of developing cancer. Not smoking, staying out of the sun, eating a healthy diet and engaging in regular exercise are all things you can do to reduce the chance that you will be diagnosed with cancer.
- Will I ever feel normal again?
- Learning that they have cancer one of the most significant moments that people will ever experience. From that moment, there are so many questions to ask, fears to face, decisions to make and treatments to undergo, you may worry that your life will never be the same. In some ways, it won’t. You will always be a person who has or who had cancer. But that doesn’t mean that you must stop doing the things that you enjoy or spending time with the people that you love. We encourage people to remember that cancer is something that they have-it’s not who they are. And we make every effort to help our patients return to the life and lifestyle they’ve always had as soon as possible.
- What are some of the signs/symptoms of cancer?
- Many of the signs or symptoms associated with a cancer diagnosis are also associated with other diseases and disorders, so having one or several does not mean that you have cancer. They include weight loss that cannot be explained, pain or fever, fatigue, changes in your skin color, excessive hair growth, unusually bleeding, unusual lumps and sores that do not heal, among other things. If you have one or several of these symptoms, or if you have additional physical changes which cannot be explained, you should speak with your physician as soon as possible.
- How do I tell my friends and family I have cancer?
- Second only to learning that you have cancer yourself is the difficulty of telling your family and close friends about it. They are likely to have many of the same questions and fears that you do, and will want to help, but may be unsure how. Be honest with them, share how you’re feeling, and let them do the same. Ask them for help if you need it-most will be more than grateful for the chance. When you can, keep life as normal as possible. And if you’re struggling with telling people, or with their reactions to it, consider working with a counselor who can help you do so. Talking with other cancer patients and survivors may also provide the support you need, and there are also support groups for spouses, friends and family of people with cancer.
Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it.
