- What is cancer?

Cancer is when a human cell goes rogue, disobeys typical instructions, duplicates uncontrollably, and invades its neighbors. Cancer is a disease of uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. It can occur in any part of the body and has many different types, including lung, breast, prostate, and colon cancer. Cancer can cause symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and weight loss, and can be treated with various methods including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

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- What is radiation therapy?

Radiation therapy is a cancer treatment that uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors. It is delivered using a machine called a linear accelerator and is carefully aimed at the cancerous area to minimize damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

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- What is cancer staging?

Cancer staging communicates how far cancer has already spread at the time it is discovered. Staging is the process of determining the extent or spread of cancer in the body., typically using physical exam and radiographic images. The stage is determined by looking at the size of the tumor if it has spread to nearby lymph nodes or other body parts, and other factors. Staging guides treatment decisions, predicts prognosis, and determines the best course of action for a person with cancer. Common cancer staging systems include the TNM system (Tumor, Nodes, Metastases) and the Roman numerals I-IV system.

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- What is a cancer grading?

Cancer grading indicates how fast a colony of cancer cells grows and spreads. Grade is a marker of the aggressiveness of a cancer based on the appearance of the cancer cells under a microscope. A lower grade generally indicates that the cancer cells are less abnormal and growing more slowly, while a higher grade indicates that the cancer cells are more abnormal and growing more quickly. Grading is often used to guide treatment decisions and predict prognosis.

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- What is a cancer metastasis?

Metastasis is the spread of cancer from one part of the body to another. This occurs when cancer cells break away from the original (primary) tumor and travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to other parts of the body, where they can form new tumors. Metastasis is a serious complication of cancer because it can make the disease more difficult to treat and can lead to serious health problems. The presence of metastases is often a factor in determining the stage and prognosis of a person's cancer.

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- How does cancer take a life?

Cancer can take life by spreading to vital organs and interfering with their normal functioning, leading to infection or organ failure. Additionally, cancer can cause symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and decreased quality of life, which can reduce a person's overall well-being. Cancer treatment can also have serious side effects that affect a person's health and ability to carry out daily activities. In advanced stages, cancer can be fatal.

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- Can cancer be cured?

Cancer can be cured in many cases, particularly if it is detected and treated early. The chance of a cure depends on many factors, including the type and stage of cancer, the person's age and overall health, and the aggressiveness of the cancer cells. Treatment options for cancer can include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. In some cases, a combination of treatments may be used. Even if a cure is not possible, cancer can often be controlled with treatment and managed as a chronic condition.

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- If a cancer cannot be cured, is there hope?

Yes, there is hope for individuals with cancer, even if a cure is not possible. Even if a cure is not achievable, cancer can often be controlled and managed as a chronic condition - sometimes for years - allowing people to live fulfilling lives. Targeting and hunting cancer as it tries to spread, exploring new advances in systemic cancer treatments, and managing metastases cancers aggressively can greatly improve the quality of life and extend life expectancy for many people with cancer. In addition, supportive care measures such as pain management, palliative care, and psychological support can improve a person's overall well-being and quality of life.

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- Do you offer alternative cancer treatments?

Please see our page on alternative cancer therapies

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