How can I find out more about my family history of cancer?
Sep 26, 2020 · Hi, Im 21 years old, and last night, I found out that the light of my life (my grandma) has been told she has terminal cancer. About 6/7 weeks ago, she went to see the doctors because she had pain, something was wrong with her liver, when my dad told me, I immediately suspected cancer, after loosing my grandad to it less than 2 years ago.
What kind of cancer did my gran have?
Nov 15, 2016 · I have had surgery for colon cancer and I need treatment. My life will change as I deal with what is to come. Everyone has struggles in their lives, some more intense than others. What you can take away from my grandma’s experience is to never take anything for granted, put a smile on your face and cherish every moment.
Can cancer be passed down through family history?
My doctor pointed out that I had unknowingly followed that advice. I got pregnant with my first child when I was 31, six months after my wedding, and found myself pregnant with my second six months after the birth of my first. But I developed cancer before I had the chance to give birth to, let alone breastfeed, my second baby.
What should I say to my gran who has died?
They'll ask about your family history, and if they think there's a chance you have an increased risk of developing cancer, they'll refer you to a genetic counsellor, family cancer clinic or a cancer specialist. Cancer Research UK has more information about family history and inherited cancer genes. Further information: Reduce your cancer risk
What to do when you find out a family member has cancer?
Here are some tips for being as supportive as possible when a loved one is diagnosed with cancer:Listen. ... Give advice only when you are asked. ... Educate yourself about cancer. ... Support your loved one's treatment decisions. ... Remember the caregiver. ... Stay connected. ... Keep things normal.More items...•Apr 28, 2020
How do you help someone who just found out they have cancer?
Helpful tips when supporting a friendAsk permission. Before visiting, giving advice, and asking questions, ask if it is welcome. ... Make plans. Do not be afraid to make plans for the future. ... Be flexible. ... Laugh together. ... Allow for sadness. ... Check in. ... Offer to help. ... Follow through.More items...
How can I help a grandparent with cancer?
If you are nervous about bringing up something, ask a parent it first. Discuss things you used to do together, and show your grandparent related pictures. If they are having trouble with memory due to treatment, these visual aids – in person or remotely – can help spur recollections. Read a book to them.Dec 29, 2017
Is there an age limit for cancer treatment?
Age does not usually restrict the active treatment of cancer, but the patient's other diseases and poor general condition do. Geriatric and psycho-social assessment of the patient's situation help in making the treatment decisions. Cancer surgery can usually be carried out normally, regardless of age.
How fast do cancer stages progress?
Scientists have found that for most breast and bowel cancers, the tumours begin to grow around ten years before they're detected. And for prostate cancer, tumours can be many decades old. “They've estimated that one tumour was 40 years old. Sometimes the growth can be really slow,” says Graham.Oct 18, 2018
What do you say to someone who has Stage 4 cancer?
Here are some ideas:"I'm not sure what to say, but I want you to know I care"."I'm sorry to hear that you are going through this"."How are you doing?""If you would like to talk about it, I'm here"."Please let me know how I can help"."I'll keep you in my thoughts".Jun 1, 2021
What should you not say to someone with cancer?
What not to say to someone who has cancer“Everything is going to be OK.” ... “I had a friend who died of cancer.” ... “I know exactly how you feel.” ... “You're lucky it's XYZ cancer instead of ABC cancer.” ... “You look great! ... “Don't compare your breast augmentation, reduction, or lift to their mastectomy.”More items...•Oct 27, 2021
How do you deal with a loved one with a terminal illness?
Remember to take care of yourself. Eat well, get plenty of rest and get some exercise. Some people find it helps to write down how they feel about their loved one. Some people find it helps to go to a support group and talk to others who have lost people close to them.
How do I explain my grandmother has cancer?
Give them basic information about the disease, with an emphasis on what is being done to help their grandmother. Let them know how the treatment (or disease) might impact her physical appearance, activity level, and interactions with them. Follow your children's lead.
Can a 70 year old survive cancer?
In most cases, it does not. A healthy older person often has the same chances of responding to treatment or being cured than a younger one. Even for patients with more health issues chemotherapy may help decrease cancer symptoms and growth, and help people live better and longer.Nov 19, 2018
Can an 85 year old survive cancer?
Patients with cancer who are aged 85 years and older have the lowest relative survival of any age group, with the largest disparities noted when cancer is diagnosed at advanced stages.
Can an 80 year old survive cancer?
First, there is no reason to deny older people adequate cancer therapy — surgery, chemotherapy, radiation — based on age alone. Individualization is critical; one size does not fit all! While one 80-year-old may tolerate a standard course of chemotherapy perfectly well, the next may not.Jun 9, 2014