newly diagnosed
Newly Diagnosed
A new diagnosis of cancer can be a shock, making those effected feel out of control and overwhelmed. The more a newly diagnosed cancer patient can learn about cancer the less these negative emotions will affect them. Few cancers require emergency treatment. Most newly diagnosed individuals have time to learn about their diagnosis and treatment options, ask questions, and even get a second opinion. This section is designed to help address initial questions before moving forward with treatment options.
What is Cancer?
Cancer is a term used for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and are able to invade other tissues. Cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems.
Cancer is not just one disease but also many diseases. There are more than 100 different types of cancer. Most cancers are named for the organ or type of cell in which they start - for example, cancer that begins in the colon is called colon cancer; cancer that begins in basal cells of the skin is called basal cell carcinoma.
Cancer types can be grouped into broader categories. The main categories of cancer include:
- Carcinoma - cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs.
- Sarcoma - cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue.
- Leukemia - cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood.
- Lymphoma and myeloma - cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system.
- Central nervous system cancers - cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord.
Not all tumors are cancerous; tumors can be benign or malignant.
- Benign tumors aren't cancerous. They can often be removed, and, in most cases, they do not come back. Cells in benign tumors do not spread to other parts of the body.
- Malignant tumors are cancerous. Cells in these tumors can invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body.
The spread of cancer from one part of the body to another is called metastasis. Some cancers do not form tumors. For example, leukemia is a cancer of the bone marrow and blood.
How did I get cancer?
Although every patient and family member wants to know the answer to this question, the reason people develop cancer is still not well understood. We don’t know why some people get cancer and others don’t. The length and amount of exposure to cancer causing agents can increase the chances of developing cancer. For example, as exposure to cigarette smoking increases, the chances of developing lung cancer also increase. Genetics also plays an important role in whether an individual develops cancer. Certain types of breast cancer have a genetic component.
What’s next?
Many unpleasant thoughts and images occur when someone is told that chemotherapy or radiation therapy is an important part of their treatment; however, there are many good reasons to be optimistic as the journey towards surviving cancer begins. Medicine and medical research have made great strides in treating cancer and in making it more tolerable, both physically and emotionally.
No one would call cancer a normal experience, but by proactively managing aspects of your treatment, you can maintain a sense of normalcy in your life. Fighting cancer is not a challenge you face alone. It's a team effort that involves family, friends, and your healthcare team. Don't overlook the strength that can come from having your support network by your side.
