Where can I get help after cancer treatment?
Whether you want to learn about treatment options, get advice on coping with side effects, or have questions about health insurance, we’re here to help. We can even find you a free ride to treatment or a free place to stay when treatment is far from home. Explore Treatment & Support
Where can I learn how to cope with cancer?
Once you have finished your cancer treatment, you should receive a follow-up cancer care plan. Follow-up care means seeing a doctor for regular medical checkups. Your follow-up care plan depends on the type of cancer and type of treatment you had, along with your overall health. It is usually different for each person who has been treated for ...
Where can I find patient education for cancer patients?
You may receive chemotherapy during a hospital stay, at home, or in a doctor’s office, clinic, or outpatient unit in a hospital (which means you do not stay overnight). No matter where you go for chemotherapy, your doctor and nurse will watch for side …
Where can I find out more about cancer counseling?
These booklets are available from the National Cancer Institute (NCI). To learn more about cancer or to request any of these booklets, visit NCI’s Web site (. www.cancer.gov). You can also call NCI’s Cancer Information Service toll-free at 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237) to speak with an information specialist.
Where is the best treatment for cancer?
The Top 5 Countries For Cancer TreatmentAustralia. Whilst Australia suffers high levels of certain types of cancers, such as skin, prostate, lung, bowel and breast, it has the lowest cancer mortality rate in the world3 – which is a huge achievement. ... The Netherlands. ... USA. ... Canada. ... Finland.
What should I study to find a cure for cancer?
7 Fields of Study to Fight Cancer1 Chemistry and biochemistry. When we think of cancer, we often think of doctors, who are on the frontlines of cancer treatment. ... Molecular biology. ... Physiology. ... Medical physics. ... Biomedical engineering. ... Epidemiology. ... Research study design.
Which is the best approach to cancer treatment?
Any cancer treatment can be used as a primary treatment, but the most common primary cancer treatment for the most common types of cancer is surgery. If your cancer is particularly sensitive to radiation therapy or chemotherapy, you may receive one of those therapies as your primary treatment.
What are 3 popular treatments for cancer?
Learn about the most common types of treatment for cancer here.Surgery.Chemotherapy.Radiation Therapy.Targeted Therapy.Immunotherapy.Stem Cell or Bone Marrow Transplant.Hormone Therapy.
What are the five types of cancer?
What are the 5 types of cancer?Carcinoma. This type of cancer affects organs and glands, such as the lungs, breasts, pancreas and skin. ... Sarcoma. This cancer affects soft or connective tissues, such as muscle, fat, bone, cartilage or blood vessels.Melanoma. ... Lymphoma. ... Leukemia.
What is the newest cancer treatment?
CAR T cell therapy, the process of reengineering a patient's own immune cells to attack cancer, is a true breakthrough in immunotherapy. This therapy has already received Food and Drug Administration approval to treat blood cancers, and it holds enormous promise for the treatment of solid tumors.
Which cancer is known as silent killer?
Pancreatic Cancer: The Silent Killer.
What are the 4 main treatments for cancer?
The most common treatments are surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Other options include targeted therapy, immunotherapy, laser, hormonal therapy, and others. Here is an overview of the different treatments for cancer and how they work.
How much does a cancer treatment cost?
The average cost of Cancer Treatment in India is INR Rs. 5,00,000. The maximum charge for Cancer Treatment in India is up to INR Rs. 27,50,000.
What stops cancer cells from growing?
A new study has found that resolvins — compounds naturally secreted by our body in order to stop the inflammatory response — can stop tumors from growing when such growth is induced by cellular waste.
What are three warning signs of cancer?
What are some general signs and symptoms of cancer?Fatigue or extreme tiredness that doesn't get better with rest.Weight loss or gain of 10 pounds or more for no known reason.Eating problems such as not feeling hungry, trouble swallowing, belly pain, or nausea and vomiting.Swelling or lumps anywhere in the body.More items...•
Is chemotherapy painful?
Does chemotherapy hurt? IV chemotherapy should not cause any pain while being administered. If you experience pain, contact the nurse taking care of you to check your IV line. An exception would be if there is a leak and the drug gets into surrounding tissues.
How to reduce the risk of cancer?
4Cut down on how much alcohol you drink. Research shows that drinking alcohol increases your chances of getting certain types of cancers. 4Eat well. Healthy food choices and physical activity may help reduce the risk of cancer or recurrence. Talk with your doctor or a nutritionist to find out about any special dietary needs that you may have. The American Cancer Society and the American Institute for Cancer Research have developed similar diet and fitness guidelines that may help reduce the risk of cancer: • Eat a plant-based diet and have at least 5–9 servings of fruit and vegetables daily. Try to include beans in your diet, and eat whole grains (such as cereals, breads, and pasta) several times daily. • Choose foods low in fat and low in salt. • Get to and stay at a healthy weight. For more tips on nutrition and healthy eating, go to www.aicr.org
What is the first few months of cancer treatment?
Those who have gone through cancer treatment describe the first few months as a time of change . It’s not so much “getting back to normal” as it is finding out what’s normal for you now. People often say that life has new meaning or that they look at things differently now. You can also expect things to keep changing as you begin your recovery. Your new “normal” may include making changes in the way you eat, the things you do, and your sources of support, all of which are discussed in this booklet.
What is complementary medicine?
Complementary and alternative medicine includes many different healing approaches that people use to prevent illness, reduce stress, prevent or reduce side effects and symptoms, or control or cure disease. An approach is generally called “complementary” when it is used in addition to treatments prescribed by a doctor. When it is used instead of treatments prescribed by a doctor, it is often called “alternative.” Research has shown that more than half of all people with a history of cancer use one or more of these approaches. Some common methods include imagery or relaxation (see page 60), acupressure and massage, homeopathy, vitamins or herbal products, special diets, psychotherapy, prayer, yoga, and acupuncture. Even though you have finished your cancer treatment, if you are thinking about using any of these methods, discuss it with your doctor or nurse first. Some complementary and alternative therapies may interfere or be harmful when used with medicines normally prescribed by a doctor. For more information, see the Resources section to order the NCI brochure Thinking About Complementary & Alternative Medicine: A Guide for People With Cancer. You can also go to the NIH’s National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health at nccih.nih.gov
How to stay active after cancer?
Several recent reports suggest that staying active after cancer can help lower the risk of recurrence and can lead to longer survival. Moderate exercise (walking, biking, swimming) for about 30 minutes every —or almost every—day can: • Reduce anxiety and depression • Improve mood and boost self-esteem • Reduce fatigue, nausea, pain, and diarrhea It is important to start an exercise program slowly and increase activity over time, working with your doctor or a specialist (such as a physical therapist) if needed. If you need to stay in bed during your recovery, even small activities like stretching or moving your arms or legs can help you stay flexible, relieve muscle tension, and help you feel better. Some people may need to take special care in exercising. Talk with your doctor before you begin any exercise program.
What doctor will provide follow up care for cancer?
For regular medical care, you may decide to see your main provider, such as a family doctor. For specific concerns, you may want to see a specialist. This is a topic you can discuss with your doctors. They can help you decide how to make transitions in care. Depending on where you live, it may make more sense to get follow-up cancer care from your family doctor, rather than your oncologist . It’s important to note that some insurance plans pay for follow-up care only with certain doctors and for a set number of visits. In coming up with your schedule, you may want to check your health insurance plan to see what follow-up care it allows. No matter what your health coverage situation is, try to find doctors you feel comfortable with.
How often should I see a doctor for cancer?
Your follow-up care plan depends on the type of cancer and type of treatment you had, along with your overall health. It is usually different for each person who has been treated for cancer. In general, survivors usually return to the doctor every 3 to 4 months during the first 2 to 3 years after treatment, and once or twice a year after that. At these visits, your doctor will look for side effects from treatment and check if your cancer has returned (recurred) or spread (metastasized) to another part of your body. At these visits, your doctor will: n Review your medical history n Give you a physical exam Your doctor may run follow-up tests such as: n Blood tests n MRI or CT scans. These scans take detailed pictures of areas inside the body at different angles. n Endoscopy (en-DOSS-koh-pee). This test uses a thin, lighted tube to examine the inside of the body. At your first follow-up visit, talk with your doctor about your follow-up care plan. See page 11 for a list of organizations and programs that give follow-up care guidelines for survivors or Resources on page 57 for a detailed list of cancer- related organizations. Follow-up care can also include home care, occupational or vocational therapy, pain management, physical therapy, and support groups. (See pages 12–13 for a description of these services.)
What to expect after cancer treatment?
Yet at the same time, you may feel sad and worried. It’s common to be concerned about whether the cancer will come back and what you should do after treatment. When treatment ends, you may expect life to return to the way it was before you were diagnosed with cancer. But it can take time to recover. You may have permanent scars on your body, or you may not be able to do some things you once did easily. Or you may even have emotional scars from going through so much. You may find that others think of you differently now—or you may view yourself in a different way. One of the hardest things after treatment is not knowing what happens next.
What is the treatment for cancer called?
Chemotherapy (also called chemo) is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to destroy cancer cells.
Where do you put a catheter for chemo?
A surgeon places one end of the catheter in a large vein, often in your chest area . The other end of the catheter stays outside your body. Most catheters stay in place until all your chemotherapy treatments are done. Catheters can also be used for drugs other than chemotherapy and to draw blood.
What page does mouth change?
Mouth and Throat Changes on page 32
What page is the side effects list on?
List of Side Effects on page 13
How long can you leave a catheter in a chemo port?
This needle can be left in place for chemotherapy treatments that are given for more than 1 day. Be sure to watch for signs of infection around your port.
Where is the needle placed for chemo?
Chemotherapy is often given through a thin needle that is placed in a vein on your hand or lower arm. Your nurse will put the needle in at the start of each treatment and remove it when treatment is over. Let your doctor or nurse know right away if you feel pain or burning while you are getting IV chemotherapy.
What to do after chemo?
After receiving chemotherapy, you and your caregivers need to take special care to prevent contact with your body fluids. These fluids include urine, stools, sweat, mucus, blood, vomit, and those from sex. Your doctor or nurse will suggest home safety measures that you and your caregivers should follow, such as:
Where can I find cancer booklets?
These booklets are available from the National Cancer Institute (NCI). To learn more about cancer or to request any of these booklets, visit NCI’s Web site (
What do you do during treatment?
You may have done a range of things, from helping to get a second opinion and deciding about treatment, to talking with visitors, or trying to keep your loved one’s spirits up. You may have worked with the medical team, too, about issues and concerns regarding care.
What is the significance of the day your loved one inishes treatment?
The day your loved one inishes treatment is the milestone you’ve both been waiting for. It is a time of celebration and relection for making it through your experience. You can begin to start taking back control of your life and thinking about other things that are important to you.
What happens when treatment ends?
As treatment ends, patients and caregivers enter a new phase. Until now, you’ve probably stayed focused on getting the patient through treatment. You may feel that you haven’t had time to think on your own about things and come to terms with the many changes that have occurred. Did you put your own feelings and needs on hold until treatment was over? Most caregivers do.
What is the booklet on survivors?
This booklet covers issues for the survivor that happen after treatment ends. Concerns include follow-up medical care, physical and emotional changes, changes in social relationships, and workplace issues. Reading the booklet may help you understand the things people face after treatment, and allow you to better understand their perspectives.
What is the faith after cancer?
Many caregivers have found that their faith, religion, or sense of spirituality is a source of strength as they face life after cancer treatment.
Can cancer affect your faith?
After treatment, you and your loved one may struggle to understand why cancer has entered your lives. You may wonder why you have had to endure such a trial in your life. The way cancer affects one’s faith or religion is different for everyone. Some people turn away from their religion, while others turn toward it.
What is part B in cancer?
Part B covers many medically-necessary cancer-related services and treatments provided on an outpatient basis . You may be in a hospital and still be considered an outpatient (observation status). Part B also covers some preventive services for people who are at risk for cancer. For some services, you must meet certain conditions.
Can you be in a hospital and still be considered an outpatient?
Inpatient hospital stays, including cancer treatments you get while you’re an inpatient in the hospital. You may be in a hospital and still be considered an outpatient (called observation status). If you’re unsure if you’re an inpatient, ask the hospital staff.
What are the best ways to deal with cancer?
1. Adjusting to the News.........................................................................1 2. Why and Where Cancer Returns........................................................2 3. Taking Control: Your Care and Treatment.........................................3 4.
What are the treatments for cancer?
It will also depend on where the cancer has recurred, whether it has spread, and how your health is now. Chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, biological therapies, or a combination of treatments may be options for you. You may have similar treatment as before or something different.
How to tell your doctor you have pain?
Be honest and open about how you feel. Tell your doctors if you have pain and where. Tell them what you expect in the way of pain relief. (See Chapter 4 for more about pain and other symptoms.) ■■
What causes fatigue after cancer treatment?
A number of things can cause fatigue. Besides cancer treatment, they include anxiety, stress, and changes in your diet or sleeping patterns. If you are having some of these problems, you might want to: ■■ Tell your doctor or nurse at your next visit.
What is a state of relaxed and focused attention?
is a state of relaxed and focused attention. One focuses on a certain feeling, idea, or suggestion. ■■. Massage therapy. may help reduce pain and anxiety by the gentle pressing, rubbing, and kneading of different body parts or muscles. Massage is not recommended for some kinds of cancer. ■■. Physical therapy.
How to deal with family members who have cancer?
Some family members may have trouble dealing with cancer. They don’t want to know how far the disease has advanced. Find out from your family members how much they want to know. And be sure to tell your doctors and nurses. Do this as soon as possible. It will help avoid conflicts or distress among your loved ones. (See Chapter 7 to read more about talking with your loved ones.)
How does cancer affect your life?
You may feel weak and no longer in control. But you don’t have to feel that way. You can take part in your care and in making decisions. You can also talk with your health care team and loved ones as you decide about your care. This may help you feel a sense of control and well-being.
Why your decisions matter
In the past, doctors sometimes made decisions without talking with patients. Today, the situation is different. Your health care team wants to know your concerns and answer your questions. They also believe that you have the right to make your own decisions.
What to consider
Before making any treatment decisions, talk with your health care team about:
Your cancer treatment goals
Your cancer treatment goals depend on many factors. For example, the type of cancer and whether it has spread will factor into your goals.
If you and your family do not agree
Family members, friends, and caregivers might have different ideas about your treatment. They might want you to have more aggressive treatment. Or they might try to keep you from having certain treatments.
Cancer treatment options for older adults
You may have just one type of treatment or a combination of treatments. The main cancer treatments for people of all ages are:
Advanced cancer care
Advanced cancer is cancer that doctors cannot cure. It is also called end-stage cancer or terminal cancer. Even though your health care team cannot cure advanced cancer, they can treat it. And you can still have a good quality of life.
Questions to ask the health care team
After you learn about your treatment options and your general health, you might need more information. Consider asking your health care team the following:
Who is eating tips written for?
Eating Hints is written for you—someone who is about to get, or is now getting, cancer treatment. Your family, friends, and others close to you may also want to read this book.
What is the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research?
service of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research that provides oral health information for special care patients. Ask about their booklets, Chemotherapy and Your Mouth and Head and Neck Radiation Treatment and Your Mouth.
Does eating healthy help with cancer?
While healthy eating by itself cannot keep cancer from coming back, it can help you regain strength, rebuild tissue, and improve how you feel after treatment ends. Here are some ways to eat well after treatment ends:
Does cancer treatment affect eating?
Some eating problems, such as weight loss and changes in taste or smell, may last longer than your course of treatment . If you had treatment for head and neck cancer or surgery to remove part of your stomach or intestines, then eating problems may always be part of your life.
Can cancer cause eating problems?
Cancer treatments are designed to kill cancer cells. But these treatments can also damage healthy cells. Damage to healthy cells can cause side effects that lead to eating problems. See the list on page 9 to see the types of eating problems that cancer treatment may cause. Common eating problems during cancer treatment include:
Can a dietitian help with cancer?
You may find it helpful to talk with a dietitian even when you are finished with cancer treatment. A dietitian can help you return to healthy eating or discuss ways to manage any lasting eating problems.
