How to Cope With a Cancer Diagnosis
Cancer is a disease that starts when cells start growing and dividing too fast, forming a mass of tissue called a tumor. The cancer cell may then spread to other parts of the body, where it can also grow and form more tumors. Cancer is usually caused by gene changes that make a cell behave abnormally. These changes may be the result of lifestyle habits, genes you get from your parents, or exposure to radiation or medicines.
What makes cancer different from other diseases? Cancer cells divide too rapidly because their DNA has mutations that change the way they function. A mutation means that a normal cell can no longer respond to the instructions in its DNA to grow and divide. Instead, it keeps dividing even when there are no new cells to make. The cells that keep dividing may also be resistant to anti-growth signals from other cells in the body or in its environment.
When cancer grows, it can cause symptoms like pain and swelling. Symptoms may come and go, but if you notice them for more than a few weeks, talk to your doctor.
The first step to treating cancer is to find it before it spreads. Your doctor will do tests to check for cancer and other diseases. If your doctor finds a lump or other sign of cancer, they may want to do an ultrasound or other imaging test to look for it and see if it is growing or spreading.
You can help reduce your chances of getting cancer by eating healthy, exercising and following screening guidelines. Your doctor will help you create a plan that’s right for you.
There are many types of treatment for cancer. Some treat the cancer while others protect your health and lower your risk of recurrence. Some treatments can cause side effects, such as nausea, tiredness or hair loss. If you have serious side effects, your doctor can prescribe medicine to help ease them.
Support groups in person or online can help you cope with the emotional and physical challenges of a cancer diagnosis. Ask your healthcare team for help finding a cancer support group in your area. You can also find out about other services that can help you manage your symptoms and side effects, such as nutritional counseling and fitness classes.
Cancer is a disease that starts when cells start growing and dividing too fast, forming a mass of tissue called a tumor. The cancer cell may then spread to other parts of the body, where it can also grow and form more tumors. Cancer is usually caused by gene changes that make a cell behave abnormally. These changes may be the result of lifestyle habits, genes you get from your parents, or exposure to radiation or medicines. What makes cancer different from other diseases? Cancer cells divide too rapidly because their DNA has mutations that change the way they function. A mutation means that a normal cell can no longer respond to the instructions in its DNA to grow and divide. Instead, it keeps dividing even when there are no new cells to make. The cells that keep dividing may also be resistant to anti-growth signals from other cells in the body or in its environment. When cancer grows, it can cause symptoms like pain and swelling. Symptoms may come and go, but if you notice them for more than a few weeks, talk to your doctor. The first step to treating cancer is to find it before it spreads. Your doctor will do tests to check for cancer and other diseases. If your doctor finds a lump or other sign of cancer, they may want to do an ultrasound or other imaging test to look for it and see if it is growing or spreading. You can help reduce your chances of getting cancer by eating healthy, exercising and following screening guidelines. Your doctor will help you create a plan that’s right for you. There are many types of treatment for cancer. Some treat the cancer while others protect your health and lower your risk of recurrence. Some treatments can cause side effects, such as nausea, tiredness or hair loss. If you have serious side effects, your doctor can prescribe medicine to help ease them. Support groups in person or online can help you cope with the emotional and physical challenges of a cancer diagnosis. Ask your healthcare team for help finding a cancer support group in your area. You can also find out about other services that can help you manage your symptoms and side effects, such as nutritional counseling and fitness classes.