Talking with your family about cancer and the emotions that arise is not a one-time discussion, but rather a series of talks that will continue through your treatment. ...more

Cancer is when cells in the body change and grow out of control. Your body is made up of tiny building blocks called cells. Normal cells grow when your body needs them, and die when your body does not need them any longer. Cancer is made up of abnormal cells that grow even though your body doesn’t need them....more

A helpful overview guide to understanding what cancer is....more

A mutation is a change in a gene that prevents it from working correctly. We inherit mutations from our parents in specific ways, one of which is called autosomal dominant inheritance. ...more

Detailed information on autosomal recessive genes....more

People with this syndrome have dark moles around the mouth, nose, and eyes, as well as multiple polyps in the intestines. ...more

FAP is a syndrome characterized by a large number of noncancer (benign) polyps in the colon and rectum. Without treatment, a person with FAP has a nearly 100% risk of colorectal cancer. ...more

Several rare syndromes raise the risk for colorectal cancer. These disorders include Turcot syndrome, Peutz-Jeghers . syndrome, juvenile polyposis coli, and MUTYH-associated polyposis. ...more

Here is a list of questions to ask your healthcare provider about treatment for thyroid cancer. ...more

Healthcare providers use tests like mammography, MRI) and CT scans to help them screen for, diagnose, treat, and keep track of cancer. Read on to learn more about them. ...more

Imaging—X-rays, CT scans, MRIs—is a process that makes pictures of body structures and organs. It is used to find tumors and other abnormalities, to determine the extent of disease, and to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment. ...more

A barium enema is an imaging test that uses X-rays to look at your lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Your lower GI tract includes the large intestine (colon) and rectum. ...more

An upper gastrointestinal (GI) series is an imaging test of your esophagus, stomach, and the first part of your small intestine (duodenum). It is done with X-rays. Learn what to expect before, during, and after this test. ...more

A chest X-ray is an imaging test that uses X-rays to look at the structures and organs in your chest. It can help your healthcare provider see how well your lungs and heart are working. Certain heart problems can cause changes in your lungs. Certain diseases can cause changes in the structure of the heart or lungs. ...more

A chest ultrasound is an imaging test that uses sound waves to look at the structures and organs in your chest. It can help your healthcare provider see how well your lungs and heart are working. ...more

Getting a cancer diagnosis is confusing and stressful. Here are some helpful questions to ask your healthcare provider. ...more

Ascites is a condition that occurs when fluid collects in spaces in your belly. It can be painful and keep you from moving around comfortably. Ascites can set the stage for an infection in your belly. Fluid may also move into your chest and surround your lungs. This makes it hard to breathe. ...more

Superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) is a collection of symptoms that usually occur in patients who have lung cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, or other cancers. It also can occur from noncancer causes. This summary explains SVCS and its treatment in adults and children. ...more

Some practical and helpful tips to help you or a loved one cope with a cancer diagnosis....more

Good nutrition is important even before cancer treatment begins. The main goal is to try to keep your weight constant while eating as many healthy nutrients as possible. Read on to learn more. ...more

You may have difficulty eating or lose your appetite during cancer treatment. Try eating small, frequent meals throughout the day. To improve your appetite, don't drink beverages with your meals. ...more

Helpful tips on clear liquids and full liquids that may help you deal with side effects during cancer treatment. ...more

Enteral nutrition is nutrition given through tube feedings, as a supplement or as the sole source of nutrients. Parenteral nutrition is a special mixture of sugar, protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals given through an IV. ...more

Hypermetabolism can happen with some cancers. This condition affects how the body uses proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, and you may need to increase your calorie and protein intake. Discuss this with your healthcare provider or registered dietitian. ...more

To boost your calories, add butter or margarine to puddings, casseroles, sandwiches, vegetables, cooked cereal, breads, and pasta. Add wheat germ to hot cereals, meat dishes, cookie batter, and casseroles. ...more

The conventional, main methods of treating cancer are surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and immunotherapy/biological therapy. Your healthcare provider will determine which treatment or treatments are best for you. ...more

The first step in preparing for your cancer treatment is to find an oncologist and treatment center. Ask your general or primary healthcare provider for a referral or contact government and professional medical organizations, such as your state's health department, the National Cancer Institute, or the American Medical Association, for information on cancer specialists and treatment centers in your area. ...more

Questions to ask your healthcare provider if you are considering chemotherapy....more

The radiology team is led by 1 or more radiologists. Radiologists interpret the results of exams, do certain procedures, consult with other healthcare providers in other specialties, and make sure of the overall quality performance of the entire team. ...more

Read on to learn about the role of the radiologist....more

With some cancers, people are given hormone therapy as soon as cancer is diagnosed, before any other treatment. It may shrink a tumor, or it may halt the advance of the disease. In some cancers, such as prostate cancer, hormone therapy helps ease the painful and distressing symptoms of advanced disease. ...more

Chemotherapy can damage your body’s ability to make red blood cells, so body tissues don't get enough oxygen. This is a condition called anemia. People who have anemia may feel very weak or tired, dizzy, faint, or short of breath, or may feel that their hearts are beating very fast. ...more

Nearly all chemo medicines suppress the bone marrow. And that, in turn, causes a reduction in the number of blood cells. This raises the risk for anemia, infection, bleeding, and bruising. Here's what you need to know. ...more

Treatment for cancer, as well as the cancer itself, can affect your sense of taste or smell. You may find that many foods seem to have less taste. Other foods, especially meat or other high-protein foods, may taste bitter or metallic. Read on to learn what you can do about it. ...more

Nausea, vomiting, or changes in food’s taste or smell all may contribute to you losing your appetite. Sometimes, the cancer treatment itself will make you feel like not eating. ...more

These skills take practice, and the more you practice them, the more helpful they are. Some people find it helpful to listen to soothing music as they practice. ...more

You have come to the decision with your healthcare provider to try an antidepressant medicine for depression. To take antidepressant drugs medicine safely, you will need some information, which you can find here. ...more

Some practical and helpful tips to help you or a loved one cope with a cancer diagnosis....more

Sometimes, cancer cannot be cured. When that is the case, patients and families are faced with complex emotions and a variety of end of life issues. ...more

Grieving is a normal response to a loss. The loss can include the loss of your normal daily routine, the impact of the diagnosis on other family members, and the financial impact of the diagnosis. ...more

These skills take practice, and the more you practice them, the more helpful they are. Some people find it helpful to listen to soothing music as they practice. ...more

Yoga means "union"—a union of the mind, body, and spirit—and uses slow movement, precise posture, meditation, and breathing exercises to reach a state of relaxation. ...more

You have come to the decision with your healthcare provider to try an antidepressant medicine for depression. To take antidepressant drugs medicine safely, you will need some information, which you can find here. ...more

Detailed information on the adrenal gland, its anatomy and function...more

Adrenal cancer is a rare cancer that begins in the adrenal glands. Read on to learn more about the adrenal glands, and types of tumors found there. ...more

If your healthcare provider thinks you might have adrenal cancer, you will need certain exams and tests to be sure. Here's what you can expect. ...more

An abdominal ultrasound is an imaging test used to assess the organs and structures in the belly. Read on to learn what to expect before, during, and after the test. ...more

The stage of a cancer is how much and how far the cancer has spread in your body. It's one of the most important things to know when deciding how to treat cancer. Learn about the stages of adrenal cancer. ...more

There are several treatment choices for adrenal cancer. Which may work best for you? It depends on a few factors. ...more

Answer this one: Although mammograms can identify tumors at a very early stage, the tumors may have been growing for how long by the time they show up on the X-ray?...more

True or false: Most of the lumps women find when checking their breasts aren't cancerous....more

Cancer of the colon or rectum (colorectal cancer) usually develops slowly, over several years. Take this simple assessment to learn about your risks for this type of cancer....more

Osteoporosis is a disease that slowly weakens bones until they break easily. People who have a broken bone related to osteoporosis often experience a downward turn in their overall health. ...more

A hysterectomy is a common procedure that some women may need to help stop pain, bleeding, or other problems. It can be done in several ways, one of which is abdominally. In this video, you'll find out medical conditions that may require a hysterectomy and what to expect if you need this procedure....more

See how a plan to quit using tobacco - including identifying your reasons for using tobacco, the triggers that cause you to use tobacco and how to avoid your triggers - can help you quit successfully....more