Biopsies can not only detect if cancer cells are present in some area of the body, but they can also give your doctor an idea of cancer type and general degree of aggressiveness. A biopsy procedure is fairly low risk for anything serious such as an infection, but bruising, tenderness (for a few days or more) and minor bleeding are common side effects.
The best time to remove a cancerous tumor is in it’s early stages before it spreads to other sites via the blood. Preventive (prophylactic) surgery is done to remove tissue (such as the breast) that’s likely to become cancerous, despite not showing any signs of cancer. [4] X Trustworthy Source American Cancer Society Nonprofit devoted to promoting cancer research, education, and support Go to source
Radiation therapy doesn’t always kill cancer cells right away. Instead, it might take many days or weeks of treatment for the cancer cells to start dying. Cancer cells may continue dying for months after the radiation treatments end. Radiation can also burn healthy tissue and there’s even a small risk of triggering cancer cells due to its ability to alter DNA, so talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of the therapy.
Chemotherapy often shrinks tumors and/or stops cancer cells from dividing, but doesn’t entirely get rid of cancer — it’s controlled and managed as a chronic disease instead. Chemotherapy is often recommended for lung, ovarian, pancreatic and blood cancers. The problem with chemo is that it can also kill healthy cells in the body, which can lead to negative side effects. [7] X Trustworthy Source American Cancer Society Nonprofit devoted to promoting cancer research, education, and support Go to source
Targeted drugs can be used as the main therapy for some cancers, but typically they’re given along with standard chemotherapy, surgery and/or radiation therapy. Much like standard chemotherapy, targeted therapy is given intravenously (directly into the veins) or as pills. However, targeted therapy tends to be much more expensive than regular chemo.
Some types of immunotherapy are also called biologic therapy, bio-therapy or cancer vaccines. Monoclonal antibodies are immune system proteins that attack specific parts of cancer cells. Immunotherapy works better for certain types of cancer at certain stages, so ask your doctor if it’s a good option for your situation.
Stem cell transplants are most effective for cancers affecting your blood or immune system, such as leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma. [11] X Trustworthy Source American Cancer Society Nonprofit devoted to promoting cancer research, education, and support Go to source Stem cells can be donated from a donor (from their bone marrow) or gotten from fetal tissues. The cost of a stem cell transplant is more than any other type of cancer treatment.
A healthy cancer-fighting diet should include lots of fresh fruits and veggies (particularly ones rich in antioxidants, such as dark berries, grapes, broccoli and peppers), lean meat and fish, as well as fibrous whole grains. Cancer tends to thrive on sugar, especially refined sugar, so avoid soda pop, milk chocolate, ice cream, candy, cakes, donuts and most desserts if your have cancer.
Exercise also improves blood flow, strengthens bones and muscles, improves lung function, stimulates appetite, improves sleep and elevates mood — which are all factors important for surviving cancer. Depending on the type and stage of cancer you have, some exercises may be inappropriate, so always okay any activity with your oncologist.
Don’t be ashamed or embarrassed by a cancer diagnosis and not tell friends and family. Instead, tell them immediately and allow them to digest the information and help in their own ways. [14] X Expert Source Ran D. Anbar, MD, FAAPPediatric Pulmonologist & Medical Counselor Expert Interview. 7 July 2020. If you don’t have or can’t count on your friends or family, there are many cancer support groups to join, either in person or online. Ask your local hospital and church for information. [15] X Trustworthy Source National Cancer Institute An agency in the National Institutes of Health focused on cancer research and patient support Go to source
A positive attitude is more likely to keep you physically active, maintain ties to friends and family and continue on with social activities, which are all tied to cancer survival. A positive attitude also enables you to look at cancer as a hurdle or challenge to overcome, and not a death sentence to fear and dread. [18] X Expert Source Ran D. Anbar, MD, FAAPPediatric Pulmonologist & Medical Counselor Expert Interview. 7 July 2020.
Frequent check ups (1-2x per year) can also help to find other types of cancer and detect any side effects from your cancer treatment. Follow-up care typically involves seeing your family doctor or oncologist (cancer specialist) to review your medical history and get a physical examination, blood tests and/or imaging studies (x-rays, MRI, CT scan).
Deal with stressful situations head on, both at work and at home, and don’t let them become chronic and negatively impact your health. Chronic stress also increases the probability of certain behaviors developing that are linked to increasing the risk of cancer, such as smoking, drinking too much alcohol and overeating. [23] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Long-term weight loss depends on two main factors: reducing your daily caloric intake from food along with regular daily exercise — even just 30 minutes of walking each day. For most women, eating less than 1,500 calories per day leads to some weight loss every week even with light exercise. Most men will lose weight if they consume less than 2,000 calories per day. To lose or maintain a healthy weight, eat lean meats and fish, whole grains, fresh veggies and fruit and drink lots of water. Avoid fast food, processed food, baked goods, candy, chocolate and soda pop.
