Cancer

Cancer : Changes to Your Roles in the Family
by National Cancer Institute
When someone in a family has cancer, everyone takes on new roles and responsibilities. For example, a child may be asked to do more chores or a spouse or partner may need to help pay bills, shop, or do yard work.

Cancer : Loneliness, Hope and Family
by National Cancer Institute
People with cancer often feel lonely or distant from others. You may find that your friends have a hard time dealing with your cancer and may not visit. Some people might not even be able to call you on the phone.

Cancer : Stress, Pain, Self-Esteem, Sadness and Depression
by National Cancer Institute
If you are concerned about stress, talk to your doctor or nurse. He or she may be able to help you by referring you to a counselor or support group. You may also join a class that teaches people ways of dealing with stress.

Cancer Will Change Your Life
by National Cancer Institute
Cancer is a major illness, but not everyone who gets cancer will die from it. Close to 9 million Americans alive today have a history of cancer. For them, cancer has become a chronic (on-going) health problem, like high blood pressure or diabetes.

Depression and Fatigue
by National Cancer Institute
Cancer patients often experience both depression and fatigue, and physicians have had good reason to think that relieving depression might also reduce fatigue. But a new large randomized trial has disproved that theory and shifted researchers' attention

Pruritus and Cancer
by National Cancer Institute
Pruritus is an itching sensation that triggers the desire to scratch. It is a distressing symptom that can cause discomfort. Scratching may cause breaks in the skin that may result in infection.

Cancer and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
by National Cancer Institute
Some survivors of cancer experience trauma-related symptoms similar to symptoms experienced by people who have survived highly stressful situations, such as military combat, natural disasters, violent personal attack (such as rape), or other life-threaten

Management of Symptoms of Dyspnea
by National Cancer Institute
Patients who cannot breathe enough oxygen from the air may be given supplemental oxygen to inhale from tanks or cylinders. Devices that concentrate oxygen already in the air may also be prescribed. Supportive measures may be effective for some patients.

Cancer and Cardiopulmonary Syndromes
by National Cancer Institute
Cardiopulmonary syndromes are heart and lung symptoms, such as dyspnea (shortness of breath), cough, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, and excess fluid around the lungs (pleural effusion) and/or heart (pericardial effusion).

Cancer : Fertility Issues
by National Cancer Institute
Patients may also be asked about the significance of sexuality and relationships whether or not they have a partner. Patients who have a partner may be asked about the length and stability of the relationship before being diagnosed with cancer.

Chemotherapy, Radiation and Hormone Therapy Related Factors
by National Cancer Institute
Chemotherapy is associated with a loss of desire and decreased frequency of intercourse for both men and women. The common side effects of chemotherapy such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, mucositis, weight loss or gain, and loss of hair can

Cancer: Sexuality and Reproductive Issues
by National Cancer Institute
Sexuality is a complex characteristic that involves the physical, psychological, interpersonal, and behavioral aspects of a person. Recognizing that "normal" sexual functioning covers a wide range is important.

Cancer : Nausea and Vomiting, Part 2
by National Cancer Institute
Radiation therapy may also cause nausea and vomiting, especially in patients who are undergoing radiation to the GI tract (particularly the small intestine and stomach) or brain.

Cancer: Nausea and Vomiting
by National Cancer Institute
Nausea is an unpleasant wavelike feeling in the back of the throat and/or stomach that may or may not result in vomiting. Vomiting is the forceful elimination of the contents of the stomach through the mouth.

Cancer: Loss, Grief, and Bereavement
by National Cancer Institute
People cope with the loss of a loved one in many ways. For some, the experience may lead to personal growth, even though it is a difficult and trying time. There is no right way of coping with death.

Cancer: Fever, Sweats, and Hot Flashes
by National Cancer Institute
Normal human body temperature changes during each 24-hour period according to a definite pattern. It is lowest in the morning before dawn and highest in the afternoon. Normal body temperature is maintained by temperature control activities in the body tha

Cancer : Guidelines for Healthy Eating
by National Cancer Institute
USDA developed Nutrition and Your Health: Dietary Guidelines for Americans 16 that offers diet and fitness recommendations that support good overall health. The USDA Food Guide Pyramid 17 shows five food groups and the number of servings to be eaten each

Cancer : Nutrition Issues
by National Cancer Institute
Eating less solid food is common in advanced cancer. Patients usually prefer soft foods and clear liquids. Those who have problems swallowing may do better with thick liquids than with thin liquids.

Cancer and Nutrition : Nausea, Diarrhea, Low White Blood Cell Count
by National Cancer Institute
Diarrhea may be caused by cancer treatments, surgery on the stomach or intestines, or by emotional stress. Long-term diarrhea may lead to dehydration (lack of water in the body) and/or low levels of salt and potassium, important minerals needed

Cancer and Nutrition : Anorexia, Taste Changes, Dry Mouth
by National Cancer Institute
When side effects of cancer or cancer treatment interfere with normal eating, adjustments can be made to ensure the patient continues to get the necessary nutrition. Medications may be given to stimulate the appetite.