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Cancer Basics

Cancer basics for new patients & loved ones

Our Cancer Care team is dedicated to helping you understand cancer. Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed for the first time or you’re the loved one of someone who has, it’s natural to have questions and concerns. We strive to educate our patients about the conditions they’re facing. Cancer is a broad term that describes hundreds of diseases that can affect just about every area of the body. Each disease impacts people in different ways, but they all share a few key characteristics. Cancer happens when damaged or abnormal cells divide rapidly. Those cells eventually invade and replace healthy cells. When these cancerous cells keep dividing and taking over, they can spread to different parts of the body.

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What causes cancer & how is it treated?

While there’s no definitive answer regarding what causes cancer, there are multiple factors that increase someone’s likelihood of developing it. Early diagnosis is key because preventing cancer from spreading could significantly improve your chances of recovery and survival. There’s no single way to treat cancer. The most effective treatment methods depend on the type of cancer you have, how it’s progressed, and your doctor’s recommendations. Cancer can be treated in several ways, including:

  • Surgery
  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiation therapy
  • Hormonal therapy
  • Targeted therapy
  • Stem cell transplants

What are the most common types of cancer?

Although there are many types of cancer, the most common are broken down into the following categories:

Hodgkin Lymphoma & Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

This cancer occurs within the lymphatic system, which is responsible for creating germ-fighting white blood cells.

Breast Cancer

This cancer occurs within the breast tissue cells and can occur in both women and men.

Lung Cancer

This cancer is often developed in patients who are 65 and over and can be either small cell or non-small cell lung cancer.

Prostate Cancer

This cancer develops within a man’s prostate and is most common in patients over 60.

Information for newly diagnosed cancer patients

We know that being diagnosed with cancer can be scary, but you’re in good hands. Being diagnosed can be life-altering and impact every aspect of your life. It’s important that you recognize what type of information you need and where you can get it. Our Cancer Care team understands what you’re dealing with, and we’re here to help. We encourage you to use our resources and ask questions of our caring team of doctors, nurses, and staff. We strongly recommend that you take advantage of our new patient orientation program, which will provide you with the information, resources, and support you need. The program will help you become more knowledgeable about cancer as well as ways to cope with it, how to address your supportive care needs, how to obtain referrals for supportive care services, and where to turn for assistance when you need it.

Contact our team today for comprehensive cancer care treatment.

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