Frequently Asked Questions

Many people have misconceptions about cancer, its causes, and its treatment. Below are some commonly asked questions about the disease. For definitions of specific cancer terms, see the Glossary of Terms.

What is Cancer?

Cancer is a general term for a large group of diseases (more than 100), all characterized by uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. Cancer cells form tumors that invade and destroy surrounding tissue; they may spread through the lymph system or bloodstream to distant areas of the body. Many cancers can be cured, especially if detected and treated promptly.

What Causes Cancer?

Today, scientists understand that cancers may be related to heredity, gene mutation, life-style, and/or environmental factors. What you eat or drink, if you smoke, and where you work and play all can affect your risk of developing cancer. The good news is that you can help reduce your own cancer risk by making dietary and life-style changes.

Can Cancer be Inherited?

Yes. A small portion of cancer, 5-10%, is inherited. A gene mutation carried in the reproductive cells is passed from the one generation to the next, and is then present in cells throughout the body.

Is Cancer Contagious?

No. There is no way that you can "catch" cancer form someone else or give it to others.

Is Cancer Always Painful?

No. The misconception that cancer is always painful is associated with people’s fear and lack of understanding of the disease. Some cancers cause no physical pain at all. Recent advances in pain management help control or even prevent most pain caused by cancer.

Does Cancer Mean Certain Death?

No. In fact, half of all people newly diagnosed with cancer will be cured by currently available treatments. More than 8 million people alive today have a history of cancer and are leading healthy, productive lives.

What is Chemotherapy?

The use of drugs to treat cancer is known as chemotherapy. There are many chemotherapy drugs that work by killing or stopping cancer cells from growing. Chemotherapy can be the only treatment a patient receives or can be combined with radiation or surgery.

Will Chemotherapy Make Me Sick?

Each chemotherapy drug has different side effects. Not every drug causes nausea. Overall, most side effects from chemotherapy can be effectively managed with medications.

Can I Still Work During Chemotherapy Treatments?

Yes. Just because you are undergoing chemotherapy treatments does not automatically mean you must stop working. However, the decision to continue to work is an individual one based on the type of cancer and the type of chemotherapy you are receiving. You may in fact choose to stop working during chemotherapy treatments.

What is Radiation Therapy?

Radiation therapy uses x-rays, electrons and other types of radiation to treat cancer. It is painless, and does not cause people to become "radioactive." The side effects associated with radiation depend on the area of the body being treated. Most side effects are not serious, can be easily managed and slowly disappear a few weeks after the treatment ends.

Is the Treatment Worse than the Disease?

Untreated cancer is far more dangerous than a cancer that is being treated. If a tumor is left untreated, it can interfere with bodily functions and will be difficult to manage or control. Treatment can be curative, meaning aggressive enough to eliminate the cancer forever, or palliative, meaning it controls the symptoms of the illness and/or prolongs life. You, your family, and your doctors should make decisions together concerning treatment.

Is a Positive Outlook Helpful?

A positive outlook may affect the quality of your life. Communication is important. Once you express your feelings, it will be easier to build hope for the future without the burden of unspoken fears and anxieties.

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