What is Cancer?

Cancer is the term for diseases that causes abnormal cells to rapidly divide. There are many types of cancer and the origins of cancer can be confusing. When cells do not die and continue to divide the extra cells can form a mass called a tumor. Not all tumors are cancerous. Non-cancerous tumors, known as benign tumors, can be removed and often do not return or cause further issues. Tumors that ARE cancerous are called malignant tumors. Malignant tumors invade nearby tissues and move to other parts of the body. The spread of cancer through the body is known as metastasis. Cancers that metastasize are named for the organ or cell type from which they originate. However, not all cancers form tumors, such as leukemia.

Cancer diseases include

• carcinoma – begins in the skin or tissue that covers internal organs

• sarcoma – begins in bone, cartilage, muscle, fat, blood vessels or other connective or supportive tissue

• leukemia – begins in blood forming tissue, such as bone marrow, causing large number of abnormal cells to enter the blood stream

• lymphoma and myeloma – begins in the cells of the immune system

• cancers of the central nervous system – begin in the tissue of the brain and spinal cord

The most common type of cancer is non-melanoma skin cancer, followed by prostate, lung, breast, colon and rectal, bladder, non-hodgkin lymphoma, melanoma, leukemia, kidney, endometrial, pancreatic and thyroid.

What should the Caregiver do?

When caring for a person with Cancer your life will also change. You will likely become the emotional and physical support for the person with Cancer and will fill roles from home health aide to confidant. Be positive and reassure your loved one that you are there to help.

Because of the depth and breadth of issues people with Caner face you may be called upon to handle or assist with insurance problems, financial planning, housekeeping, transportation or even funeral planning. You will likely be the primary communicator between health care providers and other loved ones. And while you are the “patient advocate” is important to include or update your loved one in the communication you have with their “team”.

Caring for someone with Cancer can be stressful and overwhelming; this is normal. Remember that you have a lot of influence over the health and well-being of the person for whom you are providing care and it is important to take care of yourself so that you can continue to help your loved one. It is important to ask for and accept help. Talk to your loved one’s physician to find out what treatment and medication options, including help in controlling symptoms, might be useful. Ask what professional services would be available to you. It may also be helpful to find a support group of peers who can relate and understand your situation.

For more information on Cancer


American Cancer Society

National Cancer Institute