CANCER

What is cancer?

Cancer can originate in any part of the body. It begins when cells grow uncontrollably surpassing normal cells, which makes it difficult for the body to function as it should.

For many people, cancer can be treated very effectively; In fact, now more than ever there is a greater number of people who have a full life after receiving their cancer treatment.

The following explains what cancer is and the ways to treat this disease. 

In the end, you will find a list of words related to cancer and their meaning.

Cancer Basics 

Cancer is not a single disease.

There are many types of cancer, as it is not a single disease. Cancer can originate in the lungs, in the breast, in the colon or even in the blood. Different types of cancer have some similarities, but they are different in the way they grow and spread.

What are the similarities between different types of cancer? 

Each of the cells in our body has certain functions. Normal cells divide in an orderly manner. They die when they have worn out or become damaged, and new cells take their place. Cancer originates when cells begin to grow out of control. Cancer cells continue to grow and form new cells that displace normal cells. This causes problems in the area of ​​the body where cancer began (cancerous tumour). 

Cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body. For example, cancer cells in the lung can travel to the bones and grow there. The spread of cancer cells is called metastasis. When lung cancer cells begin to grow in the bones, it is still called lung cancer. For doctors, the cancer cells in the bones look just like those that originated in the lung. The disease is not referred to as bone cancer (bone cancer) unless it has originated in the bones.

What is the difference between the different types of cancer? 

Some types of cancer grow and spread rapidly while others grow more slowly. They also respond to treatment differently. Some types of cancer are best treated with surgery; others respond better to medications, which is known as chemotherapy. Often two or more treatments are given for best results. 

When a person has cancer, the doctor needs to know what type of cancer it is. People with cancer need a specific treatment that is effective for their type of cancer.

What are tumours? 

Most cancers form a mass referred to as a tumour or growth. However, not all masses (tumours) are cancerous. Doctors remove a piece of the dough and analyse it to determine if it is cancer. Masses that are not cancerous are called benign tumours, and cancerous ones are called malignant tumours.

There are some types of cancer, such as leukaemia (blood cancer) that do not form tumours. These types of cancer develop in the blood cells (blood cells) or in other cells of the body. 

“There is a moment of fear that one goes through when they are told that they have cancer. At first, it is so difficult to think of anything other than the diagnosis. It is the first thing you think about every morning. I want people with cancer to know that their situation can improve. Talking about your cancer helps you deal with all the new emotions you are feeling. Remember, it is normal to alter. ” 

- Carmen, cancer survivor 

What is the stage of cancer? 

The doctor also needs to know if cancer has spread and how much from where it originated. This is known as the cancer stage classification. You may have heard other people say that the cancer was stage 1 or in stage 2. Knowing the stage of cancer helps your doctor decide which type of treatment is best for you. 

For each type of cancer, there are tests that can be done to determine the stage of cancer. As a rule, a minor stage (like stage 1 or 2), means that cancer has not spread or not so much. A larger number (such as 3 or 4) means more spread. Stage 4 is the largest. 

Ask your doctor to explain the stage of your cancer and what it implies in your case. How is cancer treated? 

The most common cancer treatments include surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Surgery can be used to remove the cancerous tumour. The doctor can also remove some or all of the body parts that the cancer is affecting. In the case of breast cancer, part or all of the breast may be removed. In the case of prostate cancer, the entire prostate gland may be removed. Surgery is not useful for all types of cancer. For example, types of blood cancer are better treated with medications. 

Chemotherapy (or chemo) is the use of medications to kill cancer cells or to reduce their growth. Some types of chemotherapy can be given intravenously (in a vein through a needle) and others consist of pills that are swallowed. As chemotherapy drugs reach almost every part of the body, they are useful for cancer that has spread. 

Radiation therapy is also used to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells. It can be used alone or together with surgery or chemotherapy. Radiation therapy is similar to having an x-ray. Sometimes it can be administered by implanting a “seed” in the cancer area that will release radiation. 

“What helped me was to spend time to stop and analyse the general situation. Getting answers to my questions helped me make a good decision. I did what was necessary to do. I proceeded with the necessary things that gave me peace of mind, and not with what other people thought I needed to do to have peace of mind. ” 

- Jorge, cancer survivor

What is the best treatment for me? 

Your treatment will depend on what is best for you. Some types of cancer respond better to surgery, others respond better to chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Knowing the type of cancer you have is the first step in knowing the type of treatment that is best for you.

The stage of your cancer will also help your doctor determine the best treatment for you. Stage 3 or 4 cancer is prone to respond to treatments that reach the entire body, such as chemotherapy. 

Your health, as well as your preferences, also influence the selection of the best cancer treatment. Not all types of treatment will be effective for your cancer, so be sure to get all your options informed. In addition, treatments have side effects; Find out what you can expect with each treatment. 

Don't be afraid to ask questions. It is your right to know which treatments could help you the most and what their side effects might be. 

Why did this happen to me? 

People often ask: "What did I do wrong?" Or "Why me?" Doctors cannot determine with certainty the causes of cancer. When doctors cannot offer a reason about the disease, many people generate their own ideas about what might have generated it. 

Some people consider it a punishment for something they did or did not do in the past. Most people wonder if something they did is a direct consequence of their illness. 

If you experience these feelings, you are not alone. These thoughts and beliefs are common among people with cancer. You need to know that cancer is not a punishment for your past actions. Try not to blame yourself or become obsessed with looking for ways that could have somehow prevented cancer. Cancer is not his fault, and you can almost never know what caused it. Instead, focus now on serving yourself well. 

Your American Cancer Society can tell you more about cancer and its treatment. Call us at 1-800-227-2345 at any time, day or night. 

How to talk with your loved ones about cancer? 

Talking about cancer can be difficult, even with your loved ones. Finding out that you have cancer can generate many feelings, such as sadness, anger, and fear. Needless to say, to express to others what you are feeling when it is sometimes difficult to know yourself. 

Your loved ones may also have difficulty talking about it. It is not easy for them to know what to say to help you or to make you feel better. 

Here are some practical tips that will help you and your loved ones cope with cancer-related issues: 

• Talk to your family and friends about your cancer as soon as you feel like it. Sooner or later, everyone will know that you have cancer. You may hurt them or feel excluded if you don't talk to them about it. 

• When talking to them, explain the type of cancer you have and how the treatment will be. Assure them that cancer is not something they can spread. 

• Allow your family and friends to help you, and tell them the kind of help you need. If you need someone to take you to your queries with the doctor or the hospital, tell them. If you need help with household items, also tell them. There may be times when you don't know very well what you need. No problem it's OK. Just tell them that you still don't know what you need, but that you will tell them as soon as you know it well. 

• Talk to the people with whom you have more confidence about how you feel. This may not be easy, but it can be a very important way to get support when you need it most. If it is difficult for you to talk about your feelings, finding a support group or an emotional health professional might be helpful. 

• If you have family or friends looking to cheer you up (“cheer up!”, “Feel like it,” etc.), when it really doesn't feel right, it's okay to ask them to simply listen to you and not tell you what it is that must do. Sometimes you need to talk about what is happening without necessarily waiting for your advice. 

• If some people are uncomfortable talking about their feelings, don't bother. Try talking to people who know they will listen to you. 

• I may not be able to do the things I used to do before I had cancer. In that case, make it known to your family and friends. 

• It is better to let your loved ones continue doing for you the things you did before you had cancer. They don't have to feel guilty about this. 

• If you feel sad or depressed, talk to your doctor, nurse, or others who could help, such as someone from the clergy of your religious congregation. You can also call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345. 

“The first time you say out loud‘ I have cancer ’is the most difficult. As you say more, it is easier to assimilate and say these words. The more I talked about my breast cancer, it was easier for me to accept what I was going through. It seemed strange to me that sometimes it was I who had to encourage those people to whom I told them that I had cancer. ” 

- Elena, cancer survivor

Terms of cancer you may have heard 

Below is a list of words that you may hear from your health care team during treatment.

Benign: tumour (mass or bump) that is not cancerous. 

Biopsy: remove a piece of tissue to see if it contains cancer cells.

Cancer: term used to refer to a group of more than 100 diseases in which cells grow uncontrollably; tumours composed of cancer cells. 

Chemotherapy: use of medications to treat the disease. Often, the term refers to medications used to treat cancer. It is sometimes referred to as "chemo."

Malignant: to indicate that it contains cancer. 

Metastasis: spread of cancer cells to distant parts of the body through the lymphatic system or bloodstream. 

Oncologist: a doctor who treats people who have cancer.

Radiation therapy: use of high-energy rays, such as x-rays, to treat cancer.

Remission: when the signs or symptoms of cancer have partially or totally disappeared.

Stage: term used to determine if the cancer has spread (metastasis), and if so, how much it has. 

How can I get more information about my cancer?

If you have any questions about cancer or need help finding resources available in your region, do not hesitate to call your American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 at any time, day or night.