What is Cancer?
[ What is Cancer? | The Cancer Journey | Types of Tests | Treatment | Surgery | Radiotherapy | Chemotherapy | Other Treatments | After Treatment | Further Treatment | Palliative Care | Hospices | Long-term support | The Health Care Team | Emotional support ]
What is Cancer?
There are over 200 types of cancer. Cancer begins when the control signals in a normal cell go wrong resulting in an abnormal cell. Cells usually divide in a controlled way but abnormal cells keep on dividing which can form a lump or tumour. Some tumours are benign and require no treatment but malignant tumours can spread. Malignant tumours can invade other parts of the body and stop them working properly. However many people with cancer can overcome the disease and live fulfilled lives for many years.
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The Cancer Journey
If your GP thinks your symptoms are connected with cancer you will be referred for further tests. If you are diagnosed with cancer further tests will be carried out.
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Types of Tests
- - Biopsy – Examination of a piece of tissue from the affected part of the body. This test shows what type of cancer is present and what treatment will be best.
- - Blood Tests
- - X-rays
- - Scan eg CT scans, bone scans, mammograms.
Waiting to go for tests or waiting for results is an anxious time. Remember that family, friends and other organisations can support you at this time.
If you are diagnosed with cancer your doctor will explain what type of cancer has been found and where it is. You can plan your treatment with your hospital doctor.
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Treatment
Treatment normally begins shortly after diagnosis. Your doctor will consider the stage of your cancer and your general health.
The main types of treatment are surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Sometimes a combination of all three treatments are used. Sometimes no treatment is given and doctors wait to see what happens – this is known as “watchful waiting”.
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Surgery
This aims to remove all or as much of the cancer as possible.
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Radiotherapy
This involved using high energy rays to destroy cancer cells. Treatment can be given from outside the body or from within by placing radioactive material close to the tumour. This treatment is painless but can cause side effects such as feeling tired and low and some people get swellings.
Radiotherapy does not normally involve a hospital stay but a series of hospital visits instead.
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Chemotherapy
This treatment involves using strong drugs which kill cancer cells. These drugs are usually given using an injection or drip. Chemotherapy may damage health cells as well and this leads to side-effects including hair loss, tiredness, feeling sick and a lowering of immunity.
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Other Treatments
Other forms of treatment may involve hormone therapy, bone marrow transplants and peripheral blood stem cell transplants.
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After Treatment
It can take a while to get over the effects treatment so it is important to eat properly and get plenty of rest in order to speed up your recovery.
You may feel vulnerable or worried at this time. It may help to discuss your fears with your doctor. It may also be useful to speak to a counsellor or a cancer support group at this time.
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Further Treatment
If the original cancer (primary cancer) returns or if a new area (secondary cancer) is found this is called a recurrence. This can be a very anxious time but it doesn’t mean that the cancer cannot be treated again.
If however you are told that further treatment or surgery will not help, it doesn’t mean that nothing more can be done for you. There will be treatment available to control the symptoms of cancer.
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Palliative Care
Palliative Care focuses on the quality of life of the patient and their loved ones. It aims to control pain and other symptoms caused by cancer.
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Hospices
Hospice care aims to help those whose illness is no longer curable to have the best quality of life. Staff provide advice on pain and symptom control and give emotional support to loves ones.
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Long Term Support
Most people want to spend as little time in hospital as possible. Your GP should arrange for community services to allow you to live at home. This may involve help with housework and advice and support from nurses.
Although there is always a possibility that the cancer may recur, many people become free of cancer and live for many years without any more problems. In time most people get over the initial shock of cancer and the effects of treatment and can once again live their life.
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The Health Care Team
Community Nurses provide nursing care and practical advice at home. Clinical Nurse Specialists have been specially trained to deal with cancer and its symptoms. They are trained in administering chemotherapy, palliative care, stoma care and also providing emotional support.
Macmillan Nurses are trained in pain and symptom control and also offer emotional and practical advice.
Palliative care nurses specialise in controlling the symptoms of cancer and providing support for those suffering from cancer.
Marie Curie nurses provide care at home during the day or night.
Radiographers organise, prepare and give patients radiotherapy. They work closely with clinical oncologists in planning treatment.
Others involved in your care include social workers, home helps, dieticians and occupational therapists.
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Emotional Support
Self-helps support groups such as LiLAC provide support to cancer patients and their families. Patients also have the opportunity to meet and talk with others affected by cancer.