Cancer

Talking with your family about cancer and the emotions that arise is not a one-time discussion, but rather a series of talks that will continue through your treatment. ...more

A helpful overview guide to understanding what cancer is....more

If you have a family history of multiple cases of the same or related types of cancer, you may need genetic counseling. Read on to learn where to find these services and how they can help you. ...more

When a chromosome is abnormal, it can cause health problems in the body. Tests called studies can look at chromosomes to see what type of problem a person has. ...more

FAP is a syndrome characterized by a large number of noncancer (benign) polyps in the colon and rectum. Without treatment, a person with FAP has a nearly 100% risk of colorectal cancer. ...more

Here is a list of questions to ask your healthcare provider about treatment for thyroid cancer. ...more

Chromosome studies may be performed when a child is born with multiple birth defects. They may also be done when people have certain types of leukemias and lymphomas, to look for specific chromosome rearrangements associated with these types of cancers. Direct DNA studies look directly at the gene in question for an error. ...more

Testing methods vary from lab to lab and may affect the likelihood that the lab will identify a mutation in the gene if 1 is present. Different lab studies have the ability to find different types of mutations. Accuracy will vary, depending on the type of genetic testing method performed. ...more

Imaging—X-rays, CT scans, MRIs—is a process that makes pictures of body structures and organs. It is used to find tumors and other abnormalities, to determine the extent of disease, and to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment. ...more

An endoscope is a small, flexible tube with a light and a lens on the end used to look into the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, colon, or rectum. It can also be used to take tissue from the body for testing or to take color photographs of the inside of the body. ...more

A barium swallow is an imaging test that uses X-rays to look at your upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Your upper GI tract includes the back of your mouth and throat (pharynx) and your esophagus. ...more

A barium enema is an imaging test that uses X-rays to look at your lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Your lower GI tract includes the large intestine (colon) and rectum. ...more

A chest X-ray is an imaging test that uses X-rays to look at the structures and organs in your chest. It can help your healthcare provider see how well your lungs and heart are working. Certain heart problems can cause changes in your lungs. Certain diseases can cause changes in the structure of the heart or lungs. ...more

A chest ultrasound is an imaging test that uses sound waves to look at the structures and organs in your chest. It can help your healthcare provider see how well your lungs and heart are working. ...more

A bone biopsy is a procedure done to remove tissue or cells from the body to be looked at under a microscope. ...more

A bone marrow biopsy involves removing a small sample of the bone marrow inside your bones for testing. Read on to learn what to expect before, during, and after this procedure. ...more

Superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) is a collection of symptoms that usually occur in patients who have lung cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, or other cancers. It also can occur from noncancer causes. This summary explains SVCS and its treatment in adults and children. ...more

Some practical and helpful tips to help you or a loved one cope with a cancer diagnosis....more

Good nutrition is important even before cancer treatment begins. The main goal is to try to keep your weight constant while eating as many healthy nutrients as possible. Read on to learn more. ...more

You may have difficulty eating or lose your appetite during cancer treatment. Try eating small, frequent meals throughout the day. To improve your appetite, don't drink beverages with your meals. ...more

Helpful tips on clear liquids and full liquids that may help you deal with side effects during cancer treatment. ...more

Enteral nutrition is nutrition given through tube feedings, as a supplement or as the sole source of nutrients. Parenteral nutrition is a special mixture of sugar, protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals given through an IV. ...more

Try these nutritious, high-calories beverages: chocolate-peanut butter shake, strawberry crush, peaches and cream, grape slush, and an old-fashioned milk shake....more

A percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube is a feeding tube surgically placed through your belly (abdomen) into your stomach. ...more

The first step in preparing for your cancer treatment is to find an oncologist and treatment center. Ask your general or primary healthcare provider for a referral or contact government and professional medical organizations, such as your state's health department, the National Cancer Institute, or the American Medical Association, for information on cancer specialists and treatment centers in your area. ...more

While you can find prescription medicines online, consumer beware! Here's what to watch out for if you are interested in purchasing online medicines. ...more

Questions to ask your healthcare provider if you are considering chemotherapy....more

The radiology team is led by 1 or more radiologists. Radiologists interpret the results of exams, do certain procedures, consult with other healthcare providers in other specialties, and make sure of the overall quality performance of the entire team. ...more

Read on to learn about the role of the radiologist....more

Here are some questions to ask your healthcare provider about hormonal therapy....more

One type of surgery for cancer is curative. This procedure takes out the cancerous tumor or growth from the body. Surgeons use curative surgery when the cancerous tumor is in 1 certain part of the body. This type of treatment is often the main treatment. But other types of cancer treatments, such as radiation, may be used before or after the surgery. ...more

It's important to communicate your feelings, questions, and concerns with your healthcare provider before having surgery. Take notes, or ask a family member or friend to go with you and take notes for you. Here are some questions to get you started. ...more

Nearly all chemo medicines suppress the bone marrow. And that, in turn, causes a reduction in the number of blood cells. This raises the risk for anemia, infection, bleeding, and bruising. Here's what you need to know. ...more

Treatment for cancer, as well as the cancer itself, can affect your sense of taste or smell. You may find that many foods seem to have less taste. Other foods, especially meat or other high-protein foods, may taste bitter or metallic. Read on to learn what you can do about it. ...more

Nausea, vomiting, or changes in food’s taste or smell all may contribute to you losing your appetite. Sometimes, the cancer treatment itself will make you feel like not eating. ...more

These skills take practice, and the more you practice them, the more helpful they are. Some people find it helpful to listen to soothing music as they practice. ...more

You have come to the decision with your healthcare provider to try an antidepressant medicine for depression. To take antidepressant drugs medicine safely, you will need some information, which you can find here. ...more

Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones become porous and weak. As they lose strength, they are more likely to break. Bones in the spine, hip, wrist, pelvis, and upper arm are particularly at risk of fracture in people with osteoporosis. ...more

When cancer cells spread to the bone, they can damage the bone and cause many symptoms. Learn more about how this happens, common symptoms, and how this is treated. ...more

The side effects of chemotherapy can include constipation. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids to help loosen the bowels. If you do not have mouth sores, try warm and hot fluids, including water, to help provide relief from constipation symptoms. ...more

Some practical and helpful tips to help you or a loved one cope with a cancer diagnosis....more

Sometimes, cancer cannot be cured. When that is the case, patients and families are faced with complex emotions and a variety of end of life issues. ...more

Grieving is a normal response to a loss. The loss can include the loss of your normal daily routine, the impact of the diagnosis on other family members, and the financial impact of the diagnosis. ...more

These skills take practice, and the more you practice them, the more helpful they are. Some people find it helpful to listen to soothing music as they practice. ...more

Art, dance, music—all are examples of mind-body therapy. Although these therapies do not cure cancer, they provide an outlet for emotions and can improve mental and physical well-being. ...more

You have come to the decision with your healthcare provider to try an antidepressant medicine for depression. To take antidepressant drugs medicine safely, you will need some information, which you can find here. ...more

Talking with your family about cancer and the emotions that arise is not a one-time discussion, but rather a series of talks that will continue through your treatment. ...more

If someone you love has cancer, you probably feel sad, angry, and confused. It's OK to feel this way. Cancer is a serious disease. Your loved one is sick. They will need to see the healthcare provider a lot. It can help to learn more about cancer. ...more

Detailed information on the adrenal gland, its anatomy and function...more

If your healthcare provider thinks you might have adrenal cancer, you will need certain exams and tests to be sure. Here's what you can expect. ...more

An abdominal ultrasound is an imaging test used to assess the organs and structures in the belly. Read on to learn what to expect before, during, and after the test. ...more

The stage of a cancer is how much and how far the cancer has spread in your body. It's one of the most important things to know when deciding how to treat cancer. Learn about the stages of adrenal cancer. ...more

There are several treatment choices for adrenal cancer. Which may work best for you? It depends on a few factors. ...more

Being told you have adrenal cancer can be scary, and you may have many questions. But you have people on your healthcare team to help. ...more

You may have difficulty eating or lose your appetite during cancer treatment. Try eating small, frequent meals throughout the day. To improve your appetite, don't drink beverages with your meals. ...more

People often choose to wear wigs, scarves, or hats while or after losing their hair. If this is what you would like to do, pick them out ahead of time and start wearing them before your hair is completely gone. ...more

Answer this one: Although mammograms can identify tumors at a very early stage, the tumors may have been growing for how long by the time they show up on the X-ray?...more

True or false: Most of the lumps women find when checking their breasts aren't cancerous....more

This questionnaire can help you find out how likely you are to have depression....more

Lung cancer is a cancer that starts in the lungs. The major cause of lung cancer is smoking cigarettes. Learn about risk factors for lung cancer by taking this short assessment....more

A hysterectomy is a common procedure that some women may need to help stop pain, bleeding, or other problems. It can be done in several ways, one of which is abdominally. In this video, you'll find out medical conditions that may require a hysterectomy and what to expect if you need this procedure....more

See how a plan to quit using tobacco - including identifying your reasons for using tobacco, the triggers that cause you to use tobacco and how to avoid your triggers - can help you quit successfully....more