Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Cancer is a group of more than 100 different diseases characterized by abnormal cell growth that may invade nearby tissue in any area of the body.1
Benign refers to a noncancerous tumor that does not usually invade nearby tissue or spread to other parts of the body.1
Malignancy refers to tumors that are cancerous, uncontrollably grow and spread locally or to distant areas in the body.1
Metastasis is the spread of cancer from the place in the body where the cancer began to other areas/organs in the body.1
Precancerous refers to cells in the body that could become cancerous.1 Another term for precancerous is pre-malignant.1
Radiation therapy is a type of cancer therapy that involves strong beams of energy to target cancer cells.3 Radiation therapy may include3:
- External radiation: a machine is used to focus high-energy rays directly to the tumor. This type of radiation therapy is delivered for many weeks
- Internal radiation: a radioactive source is implanted inside the body and into or close to the tumor
- Systemic radiation: radioactive drugs that are either swallowed or injected, travelling through the body to treat cancer
Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that is most often given by mouth or intravenously and it is common for more than one type of chemotherapy to be prescribed.3 Chemotherapy travels through the blood stream, effectively treating cancers that have spread to other areas of the body.3 This treatment can be used to cure cancer, stop the cancer from spreading, slow the growth of cancer, lessen symptoms caused by cancer and decrease tumor size before surgery is performed to remove a tumor.3
Information on cancer prevention is constantly evolving but research suggests that certain healthy lifestyle choices can help to prevent cancer, including2:
Eating a healthy diet
Not using tobacco products
Getting vaccinated against HPV and hepatitis B
Maintaining a healthy weight and being physically active
Protecting your skin from the sun by using SPF and wearing protective clothing
Getting regular health exams
A new diagnosis of cancer requires time to adjust, absorb and understand the diagnosis and what the treatment options are.3 It is normal to feel fear, anger and/or shock.3 Learning about the cancer and the treatment options can help provide a sense of control over what’s happening.3
References
- Cancer.net. Cancer terms. https://www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/cancer-basics/cancer-terms
- Mayo Clinic. Cancer prevention: 7 Tips to reduce your risk. December 9, 2022. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/cancer-prevention/art-20044816
- American Cancer Society. After diagnosis: A guide for patients and families. https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/cancer-control/en/booklets-flyers/after-diagnosis-a-guide-for-patients-and-families.pdf
All URLs accessed on February 28, 2023.