Questions & Answers

Short, plain-language answers to common questions — every answer is based on a National Cancer Institute resource, with a link to the original.

Showing 30 of 462 answers.

• Are acquired gene changes passed to children?No. Acquired (somatic) changes are not in egg or sperm cells, so they cannot be passed on.
• Are all brain tumors cancer?No. Brain and spinal cord tumors can be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer).
• Are monoclonal antibodies a type of targeted therapy?Yes. NCI says most targeted therapies are either small-molecule drugs or monoclonal antibodies. Some antibodies are also immunotherapy.
• Are pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors different from other pancreatic cancer?Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors are less common than the exocrine type of pancreatic cancer, but they have a better prognosis.
• Are sexual changes during cancer treatment permanent?Not always. Many sexual health changes are temporary and improve after treatment, though some can be long term.
• Are thyroid nodules cancer?Thyroid nodules are common but usually are not cancer; only a small number are diagnosed as cancer.
• Are younger cancer patients at higher financial risk?Studies suggest yes — a younger age at diagnosis is linked to a higher risk of financial toxicity.
• Can a blood test detect cancer?Blood tests can help find signs of cancer, but abnormal results are not a sure sign, and normal results don't rule it out.
• Can a blood test diagnose cancer?Blood and other lab tests can point to cancer, but they cannot confirm it on their own; a biopsy is often needed to be certain.
• Can a cancer screening test be wrong?Yes. Screening tests can give false-positive results (showing cancer when there is none) and false-negative results (showing no cancer when there is).
• Can a caregiver ask for a larger prescription supply to cut down on pharmacy trips?Yes. Caregivers can ask the doctor whether a larger prescription supply is appropriate, and ask the pharmacy about delivery, to reduce trips.
• Can a deacon or hospital chaplain anoint the sick?No. Only a priest or bishop can administer Anointing of the Sick, though a chaplain can arrange for one.
• Can a doctor say exactly how long someone with advanced cancer will live?No. Predicting how long a person will live is difficult, and any estimate is only a guess.
• Can a mail-order pharmacy save money on medicines?Sometimes. Many insurers offer mail order, which can be cheaper than a local pharmacy — but not for opioids.
• Can a tumor marker test alone diagnose cancer?A tumor marker test is usually not enough on its own—results are combined with other tests like biopsies or imaging to diagnose cancer.
• Can a tumor test reveal an inherited gene change?Yes. A tumor test can sometimes find a change you were born with; a separate germline test can confirm it.
• Can Anointing of the Sick be repeated?Yes. It may be given again if an illness worsens, before a serious operation, or in a later grave illness.
• Can cancer affect my ability to work?Yes. Cancer and treatment can make job tasks harder, and some people miss work or cannot work for a time.
• Can cancer become resistant to targeted therapy?Yes. Cancer cells can become resistant, which is why targeted therapy is often combined with other treatments.
• Can cancer treatment make food poisoning more likely?Yes, for some people — certain treatments lower infection-fighting white blood cells, making it easier to get sick from contaminated food.
• Can caregivers have financial problems too?Yes. Family and friends who give care often share the money strain of cancer.
• Can colorectal cancer be prevented?Colorectal cancer often begins as a polyp, and finding and removing polyps can prevent colorectal cancer.
• Can depression during cancer be treated?Yes. Depression is a treatable medical condition, and options include talk therapy, physical activity, and medicine.
• Can exercise help with cancer fatigue?Yes—gentle exercise such as walking may help you feel better and have more energy.
• Can Hodgkin lymphoma be cured?Hodgkin lymphoma can often be cured, according to the National Cancer Institute.
• Can hospice care be given at home?Yes. Hospice most often takes place at home, but it can also be given in facilities and hospitals.
• Can I choose which group I'm in during a clinical trial?No. In a randomized trial, neither the patient nor the doctor chooses. A computer usually makes the assignment by chance alone.
• Can I drive myself to chemotherapy?It depends on the person and treatment, but NCI recommends arranging a ride to and from chemotherapy since fatigue is the most common side effect.
• Can I get a second opinion on my pathology report?Yes. You can ask to discuss your report with the pathologist and seek a second opinion.
• Can I get palliative care while still in cancer treatment?Yes. Palliative care can be given along with cancer treatment at any point from diagnosis onward.
• Can I have palliative care and cancer treatment at the same time?Yes. Palliative care can be given along with treatment aimed at the cancer, at any point.
• Can I have radiation therapy to the same area twice?There is a lifetime limit to how much radiation an area of the body can safely receive.
• Can I have visitors during chemotherapy?Generally yes — staying connected is good for you. The main consideration is infection risk, so NCI recommends a few general precautions.
• Can I leave a clinical trial after signing the consent form?Yes. You can leave a clinical trial at any time, even after signing the informed consent form.
• Can I receive care for advanced cancer at home?Yes. Both palliative care and hospice can be provided at home, sometimes with professional home care.
• Can I receive Communion in hospital?Usually yes. A priest, deacon, or trained lay minister can bring Communion to your room if you ask.
• Can I spend time with friends during cancer treatment?Yes, if you feel well enough — NCI encourages spending time with family and friends as part of a healthy daily routine during treatment.
• Can I work during chemotherapy?Many people work during chemotherapy by matching their schedule to how they feel.
• Can immune checkpoint inhibitors cause inflammation?Yes. Rarer side effects can include widespread inflammation affecting different organs.
• Can lymphedema be prevented after cancer treatment?There is no way to fully prevent lymphedema, but steps like protecting your skin and exercising can lower your risk or keep it from worsening.
• Can men get breast cancer?Yes. Breast cancer mostly affects women aged 45 and older, but anyone with breasts can get it, though it is rare in men.
• Can men have BRCA gene mutations?Yes. Men can carry and pass on harmful BRCA changes, which raise the risk of male breast and prostate cancer.
• Can men have children after cancer treatment?Sometimes. Fertility may return after treatment or may be permanently affected, depending on the treatment and the person.
• Can metastatic cancer be treated?There are treatments for most types of metastatic cancer, often aimed at controlling its growth and relieving symptoms.
• Can mindfulness and relaxation help people with cancer?Many people with cancer and their caregivers find that relaxation, meditation, and mindfulness help lower stress and ease anxiety.
• Can my doctor help get a treatment covered by insurance?Yes. Doctors often write a letter explaining why care is needed to help you seek insurance approval.
• Can my symptoms still be treated if I stop cancer treatment?Yes. Palliative care treats symptoms and side effects even if treatment aimed at the cancer stops.
• Can nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy be prevented?Often yes. Antinausea drugs are given before chemotherapy starts, because once nausea and vomiting develop they are harder to treat.
• Can pain be controlled in the final hours of life?Yes. Pain during the final hours can usually be controlled, and comfort is the main goal of care.
• Can people live for years with metastatic cancer?Yes. Some people live for years with metastatic cancer that is well controlled by treatment.
• Can photodynamic therapy treat deep tumors?Not well. The light cannot pass through more than about 1 centimeter of tissue, so PDT is limited to tumors on or just under the skin, or on a lining.
• Can testicular cancer be cured?Most testicular cancers can be cured, even when diagnosed at an advanced stage.
• Can tumor markers be used to screen for cancer?Mostly no. NCI says studies have generally found that circulating tumor markers do not work well for screening people without symptoms.
• Can women get pregnant after cancer treatment?Often yes, but it depends on the treatment, the dose, and age at treatment. Some treatments damage the ovaries for good; others do not.
• Can you gain weight during cancer treatment?Yes—some people gain weight during treatment, more often with ovarian, breast, or prostate cancer, or from steroids and hormone therapy.
• Can you get cancer even with no known risk factors?Yes. Cancer can develop in people who have no known risk factors, and having risk factors does not mean a person will get cancer.
• Can you have both Medicare and Medicaid at the same time?Yes. People with both are called dually eligible. Medicare pays first and Medicaid helps with the costs Medicare leaves.
• Can you leave hospice if you get better?Yes—you always have the option to stop hospice care, and patients may be discharged from hospice if their condition improves or they resume cancer treatment.
• Can you still get care if you stop treatment aimed at the cancer?Yes. Palliative care to control symptoms and keep you comfortable is always available.
• Can you still have hope with terminal cancer?Yes. You can hope for comfort, peace, acceptance, and joy, even when remission is not possible.
• Did a study show prayer made patients worse?No. One group in the 2006 STEP trial had more complications, but every group in that comparison received the same prayer.
• Do all cancer treatments cause infertility?No. Whether fertility is affected depends on the treatment, dose, your age, and other factors, and some people's fertility is not affected.
• Do cancer clinical trials use placebos?Rarely. Most cancer treatment trials compare a new treatment to the standard treatment, not to a placebo.
• Do employers have to adjust my schedule during cancer treatment?Often yes. Under the ADA a covered employer must consider a modified schedule or shift change as a reasonable accommodation, unless it would be an undue hardship.
• Do I have to make all my cancer care decisions myself?No. You can choose how much to decide yourself and how much to involve family and your team.
• Do I have to put up with cancer pain?No. Cancer pain can usually be controlled, and you should tell your team so it can be treated.
• Do I have to talk about my advanced cancer if I am not ready?No. What you share, and when, is up to you; it is okay not to talk if you are not ready.
• Do I have to talk about my cancer if I do not want to?No. You choose when and how much to talk about your cancer, and it is okay to say you are not ready.
• Do I need a port for chemo?Not everyone needs a port. Learn why some people get one, what it involves, and how it compares with getting chemo through a vein in the arm.
• Do I need genetic counseling before a genetic test?Genetic counseling is generally recommended before any genetic testing for inherited cancer risk.
• Do I need testing before targeted therapy?Often yes; most of the time your tumor is tested (biomarker testing) to see if it has a target for a drug.
• Do most people need more than one cancer treatment?Most people with cancer have a combination of treatments, though some people have only one.
• Do most people with cancer have more than one treatment?Yes. Most people have a combination of treatments rather than just one.
• Do only seriously ill people need advance directives?No. NCI's position is that all adults should have them, and that the best time to complete them is while healthy.
• Do radiation side effects go away after treatment?Usually. Most healthy cells recover within a few months, but some effects can last or appear later.
• Do side effects mean chemotherapy is working?No. Side effects have nothing to do with how well chemotherapy is fighting your cancer.
• Do strong side effects mean chemotherapy is working?No. Side effects have nothing to do with how well chemotherapy is fighting cancer.
• Do vitamins and supplements prevent cancer?No. NCI says there is not enough proof that vitamins or mineral supplements prevent cancer, and one large trial found vitamin E alone raised prostate cancer risk.
• Do you have to stay in the hospital for chemotherapy?Not always. Chemotherapy can be given in a hospital, a clinic, an office, or at home.
• Do you need to have cancer to join a clinical trial?Not always. Most cancer trials involve people who have cancer, but prevention and screening trials may involve people at high risk or healthy volunteers.
• Does a bone marrow biopsy hurt?Some discomfort is expected. Numbing medicine covers the skin and the bone surface, but the inside of the bone cannot be numbed.
• Does a BRCA mutation mean I will get cancer?A harmful BRCA change raises cancer risk, but it is not a certainty and some carriers never develop cancer.
• Does a cancer recurrence mean my first treatment was wrong?No. A recurrence means a few cancer cells survived treatment, not that the treatment was wrong.
• Does a CT scan hurt?A CT scan itself is painless. Here is what the experience actually feels like, including the parts that can be mildly uncomfortable.
• Does a CT scan use a lot of radiation?CT uses more radiation than a plain X-ray, but the added risk from a single scan is small.
• Does a DNR order conflict with Catholic teaching?Not in itself. The Directives allow a patient to request one where resuscitation would not benefit them or would be excessively burdensome.
• Does a new symptom mean my cancer has returned?Not necessarily. A new ache or symptom does not always mean cancer is back, but you should report new or lasting symptoms to your doctor.
• Does a positive attitude cure cancer?There is no convincing scientific evidence that a person's attitude changes their risk of getting or surviving cancer.
• Does a stem cell transplant attack cancer directly?Usually not. It mainly restores blood cells, though donor transplants can help fight leukemia directly.
• Does advanced cancer always cause severe pain?No. Some people assume severe pain is unavoidable, but pain can be managed throughout the disease.
• Does advanced cancer always mean the cancer is terminal?No. Advanced cancer is a broad term, and some advanced cancers can be controlled for years.
• Does an MRI use radiation?No. An MRI uses a strong magnet and radio waves instead of ionizing radiation.
• Does brachytherapy make you give off radiation?Yes, for a while. The radiation source in your body gives off radiation, so safety measures may be needed.
• Does cancer always cause pain?No. Cancer often does not cause pain, which is why you should not wait to feel pain before seeing a doctor about lasting symptoms.
• Does cancer change its name when it spreads to another organ?No. Metastatic cancer keeps the name of the original cancer, such as metastatic breast cancer.
• Does cancer fatigue go away after treatment ends?Fatigue usually decreases after cancer treatment ends, but some people still feel it for months or years.
• Does cancer that runs in families always mean a syndrome?No. Chance, shared habits, and many small-effect gene changes can all make cancer cluster without a syndrome.
• Does cancer treatment always cause hair loss?No—only some chemotherapy causes hair loss, and radiation causes it only in the treated area, so ask your team about your treatment.
• Does CAR T-cell therapy use your own cells?Yes. CAR T-cell therapy uses your own T cells, changed in the lab to better attack cancer.
• Does Catholic teaching allow freezing embryos before cancer treatment?No. Embryo cryopreservation is objected to directly in more than one Vatican document.
• Does Catholic teaching require a feeding tube?Not automatically. The obligation ends when assisted nutrition no longer prolongs life or becomes excessively burdensome.
• Does chemo neuropathy go away?The National Cancer Institute does not give a single answer on how long treatment-related neuropathy lasts—it recommends reporting symptoms early and asking your care team how long they might last.
• Does chemotherapy always cause hair loss?Chemotherapy can cause hair loss, but it does not always, and side effects often improve after treatment ends.
• Does chemotherapy cause erectile dysfunction?Usually not directly. Chemotherapy can lower testosterone and sex drive, but it does not usually affect the ability to have an erection.
• Does choosing hospice care mean giving up hope?No. Choosing hospice means changing what you hope for, such as comfort and time with loved ones.
• Does everyone get the same side effects from cancer treatment?No—side effects vary from person to person, even among people receiving the same type of cancer treatment.
• Does external beam radiation make you radioactive?No. External beam radiation therapy does not make you radioactive, so it is safe to be around others.
• Does family history affect ovarian cancer risk?Yes. A family history of ovarian cancer raises the risk, and about 20% of ovarian cancers are hereditary.
• Does having a risk factor mean I will get cancer?No. A risk factor raises the chance of developing cancer, but it does not mean cancer is certain.
• Does having more faith improve cancer outcomes?There is no evidence that the strength of a person's faith changes cancer survival or tumor response.
• Does hormone therapy work for all breast cancers?No. Hormone therapy only helps breast cancers that are hormone receptor positive.
• Does insurance cover clinical trial costs?It depends on the type of cost — patient care costs are often covered by insurance, while research costs may not be.
• Does insurance cover hospice care?Most insurance plans cover hospice, but it is wise to confirm your coverage in advance.
• Does insurance cover palliative care?Usually. NCI says private insurance usually covers palliative care services, and Medicare and Medicaid pay for some. Medicaid rules vary by state.
• Does Medicaid cover cancer treatment?Yes. Medicaid covers cancer care including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, though the doctors available and the approval rules vary by state.
• Does missing work affect my health insurance?It can. If your coverage is employment-based, not being able to work may affect that insurance.
• Does my cancer stage change if the cancer spreads later?No. A cancer keeps the stage it was given at diagnosis, even if it later grows or spreads.
• Does offering it up mean refusing pain relief?No. Church documents say heroic refusal of painkillers cannot be imposed as a general rule.
• Does palliative care mean giving up?No—palliative care can be given alongside cancer treatment at any point from diagnosis onward, and research shows it can improve quality of life and mood.
• Does prostate cancer grow slowly?Prostate cancer usually grows very slowly, which is why finding and treating it early does not always help a man live longer.
• Does radiation therapy cause fatigue?Yes. Fatigue is a common side effect of radiation therapy, though people feel it differently.
• Does stress cause cancer?It is not clear. Chronic stress can harm health, but whether it causes cancer is uncertain, and studies have had mixed results.
• Does sunlight cause melanoma?UV radiation from the sun, sunlamps, and tanning booths causes damage that can lead to skin cancer, and melanoma is one type of skin cancer.
• Does the Catholic Church allow morphine for cancer pain?Yes, including where the medicine may indirectly shorten life, provided the dose is therapeutic and the intent is not to hasten death.
• Does the Catholic Church teach that cancer is a punishment?No. There is no Catholic teaching that a particular illness is sent for a particular sin.
• Does the machine touch me during external beam radiation?During external beam radiation, the machine does not touch you, though it can move around you.
• Has prayer been tested in a clinical trial?Yes. Several randomized trials have tested whether being prayed for changes medical outcomes, and the largest found no effect.
• How are trial groups compared in a clinical trial?Researchers compare the investigational and control groups at several points during the trial and again at the end.
• How can cancer caregivers find emotional support?Talk with people you trust, seek a counselor or social worker, and join a support group in person, by phone, or online.
• How can caregivers cope with the costs of cancer?Share tasks with trusted people, ask a social worker for resources, and protect your own wellbeing.
• How can caregivers keep track of a loved one's medicines?Keeping one up-to-date written medicine list and asking the care team for clear instructions can help caregivers stay organized and avoid confusion.
• How can caregivers take care of themselves?NCI's list is specific: 15 to 30 minutes a day for yourself, keep some of your routine, hand off tasks, keep your own checkups, and get help if changes last more than two weeks.
• How can I build a good relationship with my loved one's care team?Connect with one or two key members of the team, like a nurse or social worker, make sure they can reach you, and ask about calls or online meetings for updates.
• How can I care for someone with cancer who lives far away?Long-distance caregivers can help by phone and email, coordinating care, staying connected to the health care team, and organizing important paperwork.
• How can I cope with body changes after cancer?Allow yourself to grieve, seek a counselor, stay active, try hobbies, and connect with others through a support group.
• How can I cope with fear and worry about cancer?Being informed often helps most—learning the facts about your cancer and treatment can reduce fear and help you know what to expect.
• How can I cope with feeling overwhelmed after a cancer diagnosis?Learning about your cancer and asking questions can help you feel more in control.
• How can I cope with stress during cancer?Emotional and social support, physical activity, and, when needed, help from a mental health professional can all help you cope with stress during cancer.
• How can I eat when I have no appetite during cancer treatment?Eat small high-protein, high-calorie meals every 2 to 3 hours, and use smoothies or supplement drinks when solid food is hard.
• How can I find meaning while living with cancer?NCI's practical answer is small and daily: notice what makes you smile, keep doing what matters, and draw on faith or spiritual belief if you have it.
• How can I get help with everyday bills during cancer?Contact creditors early, use free benefit-finding tools, lean on friends and family, and ask a social worker.
• How can I help as a long-distance caregiver?You can be a problem-solver and care coordinator from a distance by staying connected with the care team and local helpers.
• How can I help someone with cancer?Caregiving can mean daily tasks, medical help, coordinating care, or emotional support—and every situation is different.
• How can I help with treatment decisions without overstepping as a caregiver?Support treatment decisions by learning about the diagnosis, helping organize questions and information, and being an active partner — while letting the decisions stay with your loved one.
• How can I manage a dry mouth during cancer treatment?Sipping water often, sucking on ice chips or sugar-free candy, using lip balm, and asking about saliva substitutes can help with dry mouth.
• How can I manage memory problems during cancer treatment?Planning your day, exercising your body and mind, and using memory aids can help manage minor memory and concentration problems.
• How can I manage taste changes during cancer treatment?Herbs, spices, marinades, and non-metal utensils can help when food tastes different.
• How can I organize important papers for my family?Organizing records, listing where papers are kept, keeping originals safe, and giving family photocopies can help ease burdens on loved ones later.
• How can I prevent falls with nerve problems from cancer treatment?Making your home safer, wearing sturdy shoes, and getting up slowly can help prevent falls when nerve problems affect balance.
• How can I prevent infection during cancer treatment?Washing your hands often, staying extra clean, and avoiding germs are key ways to help prevent infection during cancer treatment.
• How can I relieve dry, itchy skin during cancer treatment?Gentle care such as recommended moisturizers, lukewarm showers, and avoiding alcohol or fragrance products may help relieve dry, itchy skin during cancer treatment.
• How can I remember what my doctor says at cancer appointments?Write questions before the visit. Bring someone. Ask for a copy of the information, and record the discussion. NCI lists all four.
• How can I save money on cancer medicines?Ask about generics, the drug's form, mail-order pharmacies, and discount programs — and never change doses yourself.
• How can I stay safe with numb hands and feet?The two hazards are falls and burns you cannot feel. NCI's safety steps target both: clear the floor, add rails, use potholders, and check skin daily.
• How do checkpoint inhibitors work against cancer?They block the off signals that keep the immune system from attacking cancer, freeing T cells to act.
• How do doctors know if prostate hormone therapy is working?They regularly check the PSA level in the blood; a rising PSA can signal the cancer is growing again.
• How do I arrange confession as a hospital inpatient?Call spiritual care and ask specifically for a Catholic priest, since only a priest can give absolution.
• How do I ask my doctor for a second opinion?It's fine to ask directly. The National Cancer Institute suggests asking your doctor whether they support you getting a second opinion.
• How do I ask others for help as a cancer caregiver?Take an honest look at what you can and can't do, and share tasks like cooking, childcare, or driving—getting help also helps your loved one.
• How do I balance caregiving with my job?Balancing caregiving and work is a common challenge. Asking others for help and keeping up your own routine can make it more manageable.
• How do I bring up fertility with my cancer doctor?You can say directly that you want to discuss fertility. Sometimes you need to start the conversation, and a written list of questions helps.
• How do I choose a hospice provider?Ask what services each hospice offers, talk to others who used them, and ask your care team.
• How do I cope with the fear that my cancer will come back?Fear of recurrence is normal and often lessens over time; talking with your team, tracking symptoms, and a follow-up plan can help.
• How do I protect my own health while caring for someone with cancer?Keep up your own checkups, watch for lasting depression or anxiety, take your medicine, eat regular meals, rest, and try to fit in 15 to 30 minutes of movement a day.
• How do I request an ethics consultation at a hospital?Ask spiritual care, your nurse, or the patient relations office. You can request one yourself, and it is free.
• How do I talk to my teenager about my cancer?Encourage teens to share their feelings and ask questions, tell them as much as they want to know, and let them talk with trusted people.
• How do scientists find cancer risk factors?Mostly by comparing large groups of people who develop cancer with those who do not. That method finds links; it cannot prove cause on its own.
• How does photodynamic therapy kill cancer cells?A light-activated drug produces a form of oxygen that kills cells that absorbed it.
• How does radiation therapy work?Radiation therapy kills cancer cells or slows their growth by damaging their DNA.
• How does randomization work in a clinical trial?A computer usually assigns participants by chance to a trial group, so neither the participant nor the doctor chooses.
• How does surgery treat cancer?Surgery treats cancer by removing it from the body; it can remove a whole tumor, part of one, or ease symptoms.
• How is a biopsy done?A biopsy sample can be taken with a needle, through an endoscope, or during surgery.
• How is depression different from ordinary sadness during cancer?Depression is more than sadness; it is ongoing sadness and trouble with daily life, often lasting most of the day for more than 2 weeks.
• How is hormone therapy given?Hormone therapy may be given as pills, as injections, or through surgery to remove hormone-producing organs.
• How is immunotherapy given?Immunotherapy may be given by IV, by mouth, as a cream on the skin, or directly into the bladder, depending on the type.
• How is targeted therapy different from chemotherapy?Targeted therapy interferes with specific proteins that help tumors grow, while chemotherapy often kills all fast-dividing cells.
• How long does a pathology report take?A pathologist typically sends a pathology report to the doctor within 10 days after the biopsy or surgery.
• How long does a radiation therapy session take?The radiation lasts only a few minutes, but most visits take 30 minutes to an hour with positioning.
• How long does a stem cell transplant take?A stem cell transplant can take a few months to complete, and immune recovery takes even longer.
• How long does chemo brain last?The National Cancer Institute does not give a set timeline for chemo brain—it recommends asking your health care team when problems might start and how long they might last.
• How long does chemotherapy last?Chemotherapy schedules vary widely and are often given in cycles of treatment followed by rest.
• How long does grief usually last?Recovery varies by person, but for most people grief symptoms lessen between 6 months and 2 years after a loss.
• How long does it take for fertility to return after cancer treatment in men?There is no single timeline. NCI's patient page gives no number at all; its childhood cancer summary reports recovery after testicular radiation taking 1 to more than 3 years.
• How long does it take for hair to grow back after chemotherapy?After chemotherapy, hair often grows back in 2 to 3 months; after radiation therapy, in 3 to 6 months.
• How long does it take to recover from cancer surgery?It varies from one day to many weeks, depending on the surgery, anesthesia, and your job.
• How long should I practice relaxation exercises if I have cancer?Even just 5 or 10 minutes of relaxation practice may help you feel better; you can start small and build from there.
• How many miracles have been recognized at Lourdes?Seventy-one cures have been officially recognized by the Church since 1858, the most recent announced in December 2024.
• How many people are diagnosed with cancer each year in the US?For 2026, an estimated 2,114,850 new cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed in the United States.
• How many types of cancer are there?There are more than 100 types of cancer, usually named for the organ or type of cell where they start.
• How many types of cancer treatment are there?There are many types of cancer treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, hormone therapy, and stem cell transplants.
• How often will I need follow-up appointments after treatment?It varies by treatment and cancer type. Ask your care team directly, since follow-up schedules often start more frequent and space out over time.
• How will I know if my first chemo session is working?You can't judge whether chemotherapy is working by how you feel afterward. Here is what actually tells your care team whether treatment is on track.
• If a gene mutation runs in my family, will I inherit it?Not necessarily. Some relatives inherit a family change and some do not; testing can clarify whether you carry it.
• Is an Explanation of Benefits a bill?No. An Explanation of Benefits is a summary from your insurer, not a request for payment.
• Is Anointing of the Sick only for the dying?No. The Catechism says it is not a sacrament for those only at the point of death, and it is fitting before a serious operation.
• Is cancer a genetic disease?Yes. Cancer is caused by changes to the genes that control how cells grow and divide, though these changes are not always inherited.
• Is cancer surgery always a big operation?Not always. Some cancer surgery is minimally invasive, done through a few small cuts.
• Is cancer that spread to the liver the same as liver cancer?No. Cancer that starts elsewhere and spreads to the liver keeps the name and the treatment of the organ it came from.
• Is chemo brain real?Yes—the National Cancer Institute describes memory and concentration problems, sometimes called chemo brain, as a known side effect of cancer treatment.
• Is chemotherapy only given through an IV?No. NCI lists seven routes, including pills, injections, creams, and delivery into a body cavity or an artery. IV is the most common, not the only one.
• Is fertility loss from cancer treatment permanent?Not always. Changes to fertility from cancer treatment may be temporary or permanent, depending on the treatment and the person.
• Is grief the same as depression?No. Grief and major depression can overlap, but in grief painful feelings come and go and people keep good self-esteem.
• Is having cancer my fault?No. Having cancer is not your fault, and no one knows why one person gets cancer and another does not.
• Is hyperthermia used alone to treat cancer?Rarely. Hyperthermia is almost always used along with other treatments like radiation or chemotherapy.
• Is insomnia common during cancer treatment?Yes—studies show as many as half of people have sleep problems during treatment.
• Is it a sin for a Catholic to stop chemotherapy?Not in itself. Catholic teaching says a person may forgo treatment that offers no reasonable hope of benefit or is excessively burdensome.
• Is it my fault if my cancer treatment did not work?No. The treatment failed you; you did not fail the treatment, and self-blame does not help.
• Is it normal to fear that cancer will come back?Yes. Fear that cancer will return is probably the most common worry after treatment, and it often lessens over time.
• Is it normal to feel abandoned by God during cancer?It is a documented and studied experience, and it responds to being talked about rather than being judged.
• Is it normal to feel angry about having cancer?Yes. Anger is a very normal reaction and often comes from harder feelings like fear or helplessness.
• Is it normal to feel bad about body changes from cancer treatment?Yes. Feelings of anger and grief about body changes are natural, and you are not alone in how you feel.
• Is it normal to feel depressed after a cancer diagnosis?Sadness is a normal response, but depression is a treatable medical condition—see your doctor if signs last more than two weeks.
• Is it normal to feel distress when you have cancer?Yes. Almost all people living with cancer have some feelings of distress, ranging from mild worry to strong anxiety.
• Is it normal to feel guilty about having cancer?Yes, guilt is common—but having cancer is not your fault.
• Is it normal to feel many different emotions after a cancer diagnosis?Yes. Cancer can bring up a wide range of feelings that may change daily or even minute to minute, and all of them are normal.
• Is it normal to grieve before a loved one dies?Yes. This is called anticipatory grief, and it is a normal reaction for caregivers.
• Is it okay to ask about my chances of survival?Yes. 'What are my chances of survival?' is on the National Cancer Institute's own list of suggested questions to ask after a diagnosis.
• Is it okay to go out during cancer treatment?Yes, if you feel well enough — NCI encourages taking part in activities and outings as part of a normal daily routine during treatment.
• Is it possible to feel hopeful with cancer?Yes. Once people settle into a routine with treatment, many feel a sense of hope, and people with cancer can lead active lives.
• Is it safe to be sexually active during cancer treatment?Most people can be sexually active during treatment, but should confirm this with their doctor, since there may be times to avoid it.
• Is it safe to eat at restaurants during chemo?It can be, though some care teams suggest extra caution since certain treatments make it easier to get sick from contaminated food.
• Is it safe to go on a trip during chemotherapy?It depends on your treatment schedule, energy, and destination. NCI encourages trips as part of a normal routine if you feel well enough.
• Is it safe to skip doses to save money?No. Skipping doses can harm your health and pain control. Ask your doctor about lower-cost options instead.
• Is it safe to take a laxative during cancer treatment?During cancer treatment, use only laxatives your doctor recommends, and avoid suppositories and enemas unless prescribed.
• Is it selfish for a caregiver to take a break?No. Caring for yourself keeps up your strength and also helps the person you are caring for.
• Is leukemia a childhood cancer?Leukemia is the most common cancer in children under 15, but it happens most often in adults older than 55.
• Is losing your appetite while dying the same as refusing food?No. The 2025 Directives distinguish the natural loss of desire for food in dying patients from a decision to stop eating.
• Is lung cancer only caused by smoking?No. NCI reports that in countries where smoking is common, about 10% to 20% of lung cancer cases occur in people who never smoked.
• Is Lynch syndrome passed down in families?Yes. Lynch syndrome is caused by an inherited gene change present from birth that a parent can pass to a child.
• Is melanoma the most dangerous skin cancer?Melanoma is less common than other skin cancers but much more likely to spread, and most deaths from skin cancer are caused by melanoma.
• Is palliative sedation allowed in Catholic teaching?Yes. Samaritanus bonus affirms its moral liceity, including deep sedation in the terminal stage.
• Is prostate cancer common?Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the United States and the second leading cause of cancer death among men.
• Is recurrent cancer the same as a second primary cancer?No. Recurrent cancer is the original cancer returning; a second primary cancer is a new, different cancer.
• Is targeted therapy the same as chemotherapy?No. Targeted therapy aims at specific proteins, while chemotherapy often kills all fast-dividing cells.
• Is the cancer death rate going down?Yes. In the United States, the overall cancer death rate has declined since the early 1990s.
• Is the PSA test recommended for prostate cancer screening?It's not recommended for routine screening of everyone; for ages 55–69 it's a personal decision to discuss with a doctor.
• Is there evidence that prayer improves cancer survival?No. No randomized trial has tested whether prayer changes cancer survival, tumor response, or recurrence.
• Is there one right way to be a cancer caregiver?No. Caregiving covers a wide range of tasks, and every caregiving situation looks different depending on the person's needs and your own life.
• Should I arrange a ride home from chemo?Fatigue is the most common chemotherapy side effect, which is why planning a ride to and from treatment is a good idea, especially for a first session.
• Should I arrange a ride to chemotherapy?Yes — NCI recommends arranging a ride to and from chemotherapy ahead of time, since fatigue is the most common side effect and can be hard to predict.
• Should I ask questions during my loved one's cancer appointments?Yes. Asking questions about tests, treatment, and side effects at appointments is a normal, helpful part of being a caregiver.
• Should I bring someone to my first cancer treatment visit?It can help. A family member or friend can listen, take notes, and remember details you might miss during a first oncology appointment.
• Should I keep my normal routine during cancer treatment?If you feel well enough, yes — NCI encourages keeping up your daily routine, including work, activities, and time with loved ones, during treatment.
• Should I take medicine for a fever during chemotherapy?Check with your team first—fever medicines can hide signs of a serious infection.
• Should I tell my children the truth about advanced cancer?Yes. Being honest in simple words helps children cope, keeps their trust, and eases their fears.
• Should I tell my young children I have cancer?Being honest is better than pretending, because even very young children can sense when something is wrong.
• Should I wait until my pain is bad before taking pain medicine?No—take pain medicine on schedule; the best way to control pain is to stop it from starting or getting worse.
• Should visitors avoid me if they have a cold?Yes. NCI's advice during cancer treatment is to stay away from people who are sick or have a cold, because some treatments lower the white cells that fight infection.
• Should we force food and fluids on someone at the end of life?No. In the final days people often stop wanting food or drink, and forcing it can cause harm.
• What are advance directives?Advance directives are legal papers that tell your loved ones and doctors what to do for you if you can't tell them yourself.
• What are androgens and why do they matter in prostate cancer?Androgens are male hormones that prostate cancers need to grow, which is why hormone therapy targets them.
• What are common signs of endometrial cancer?Signs of endometrial cancer include unusual vaginal bleeding or pain in the pelvis.
• What are eligibility criteria in clinical trials?The written requirements that must be met to join a particular trial: health, medical and family history, risk factors, age, past treatment, and tumor genetics.
• What are good bedtime habits during cancer treatment?Good bedtime habits during cancer treatment include going to bed only when sleepy, keeping the room quiet and dark, and avoiding screens and heavy meals before bed.
• What are signs of renal cell (kidney) cancer?Signs of renal cell cancer include blood in the urine and a lump in the abdomen.
• What are signs that caregiving is affecting my health?Fatigue, sleep problems, appetite or mood changes, and frequent illness can be signs of caregiver strain.
• What are the benefits of joining a clinical trial?Possible benefits include helping future patients, access to a treatment under study, and close monitoring by the research team.
• What are the early signs of lymphedema?Early signs of lymphedema can include a heavy, full, or tight feeling, swelling, and numbness or tingling in the affected area.
• What are the fertility preservation options for cancer patients?Options include sperm banking for men and freezing eggs or embryos for women, plus several other methods a fertility specialist can explain.
• What are the four types of thyroid cancer?Thyroid cancer can be described as differentiated thyroid cancer (papillary, follicular, and anaplastic) or medullary thyroid cancer.
• What are the last rites?In the Church's own order they are three things: confession where possible, Anointing of the Sick, and Holy Communion given as Viaticum.
• What are the main risk factors for cancer?The most-studied risk factors include age, alcohol, tobacco, sunlight, radiation, obesity, diet, and several others.
• What are the main risk factors for head and neck cancer?Tobacco use, heavy alcohol use, and infection with certain types of HPV are key risk factors.
• What are the main types of cervical cancer?The two main types of cervical cancer are squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma, named for the cells in the cervix where they start.
• What are the main types of kidney cancer?The main types of kidney cancer are renal cell cancer, transitional cell cancer, and Wilms tumor, and the type shapes the whole treatment plan.
• What are the side effects of hormone therapy?Side effects depend on the type of therapy and can differ for men and women, and often include hot flashes and fatigue.
• What are the side effects of hyperthermia treatment?They can include burns, blisters, and discomfort, and depend on the technique used.
• What are the side effects of monoclonal antibodies?Common ones are needle site reactions and flu-like symptoms; serious reactions are less common.
• What are the signs of anemia in people with cancer?Anemia can make you feel very tired, short of breath, or lightheaded, with signs like dizziness, headaches, a fast heartbeat, and pale skin.
• What are the signs of caregiver stress?Caregiver stress can cause fatigue, sleep problems, higher blood pressure, appetite or mood changes—see your doctor if changes last over two weeks.
• What are the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy from chemotherapy?Symptoms depend on the nerves affected and may include tingling or numbness, muscle weakness, or changes in digestion and blood pressure.
• What are the two main types of lung cancer?The two main types of lung cancer are non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer.
• What are the two main types of radiation therapy?The two main types are external beam radiation and internal radiation.
• What are the two most common types of esophageal cancer?The two most common types of esophageal cancer are squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma, which begin in different cells at opposite ends.
• What are the two types of cells pancreatic cancer starts in?Pancreatic cancer can start in two kinds of cells in the pancreas: exocrine cells and neuroendocrine cells, such as islet cells.
• What are the two types of uterine cancer?The two types of uterine cancer are endometrial cancer, which is common, and uterine sarcoma, which is rare.
• What are the types of cancer clinical trials?The main types are treatment, prevention, screening, and supportive or palliative care trials, each answering a different research question.
• What are the types of leukemia?Leukemia has several types, including acute and chronic forms defined by the blood cell involved and how fast the cancer grows.
• What are the types of radiation therapy?The two main types are external beam radiation and internal radiation, which can use a solid or liquid source.
• What bedtime habits can help me sleep during cancer treatment?Go to bed only when sleepy, get up if sleep does not come, stop screens a couple of hours before bed, and keep exercise away from bedtime.
• What can help with painful sex after pelvic radiation?Lubricants, vaginal moisturizers, prescription vaginal estrogen for some cancers, a dilator to limit scarring, and pelvic floor exercises. A care team decides which fit.
• What can I do about taste changes during cancer treatment?Marinades, herbs, tart flavors, and non-metal utensils can help when cancer treatment changes how food tastes; changes often improve after treatment.
• What can I do if I cannot pray during cancer treatment?Short repeated forms survive exhaustion better than long ones, and asking others to pray for you is a normal response.
• What cancers does hormone therapy treat?Hormone therapy is used to treat prostate and breast cancers that use hormones to grow.
• What causes almost all cervical cancers?Long-lasting infection with HPV causes almost all cervical cancers, and 12 high-risk types drive the infections that do not clear on their own.
• What causes anemia during cancer treatment?Cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation, and cancers that affect the bone marrow, can lower red blood cells and cause anemia.
• What counts as a fever during chemotherapy?Around 100.4–100.5°F (38°C) or higher. Sources word it slightly differently, so use the number your own team gave you—and call if unsure.
• What did the Vatican say about nutrition and hydration in 2007?It answered two questions about patients in a vegetative state, not about patients dying of cancer.
• What do BI-RADS categories mean on a mammogram report?BI-RADS is a 0–6 scale radiologists use to report mammogram findings and the recommended follow-up.
• What do positive and negative margins mean on a pathology report?A negative (clean) margin means no cancer cells at the edge of removed tissue; a positive (involved) margin means cancer cells were found there.
• What documents should I organize for my family when I have advanced cancer?Gather records for banking, insurance, legal, retirement, and other accounts, and note where they are.
• What does a 'new normal' mean after cancer treatment?Many survivors describe adjusting to life after treatment as finding what is normal for them now.
• What does a cancer caregiver do?Cancer caregivers help in many ways, from daily errands and medicine to emotional support and coordinating care from a distance.
• What does a CBC check for during treatment?A complete blood count is one of the most common tests during cancer treatment. Here's what it measures and why it's checked so often.
• What does a clean margin mean on a pathology report?A clean, or negative, margin generally means no cancer cells were found at the edge of tissue removed during biopsy or surgery.
• What does a negative genetic test result mean?It depends on family history — a negative can be a true negative or an uninformative negative, and neither means zero risk.
• What does a PET scan show?A PET scan highlights areas where cells take up more glucose, which can help find cancer.
• What does a variant of uncertain significance mean?A VUS is a gene change without enough data yet to know whether it raises cancer risk; most are later found harmless.
• What does cancer prevention mean?Cancer prevention is action taken to lower the chance of getting cancer, such as avoiding known causes and making healthy lifestyle changes.
• What does central nervous system tumor mean?A central nervous system (CNS) tumor is a tumor of the brain or spinal cord.
• What does it mean to be a cancer survivor?A person is a cancer survivor from the time of diagnosis through the rest of life, including those living with cancer and those free of it.
• What does it mean to be an 'active partner' in a loved one's cancer care?Being an active partner means staying engaged with the care team, asking questions, and helping coordinate information rather than just receiving it.
• What does it mean to debulk a tumor?Debulking removes part, but not all, of a tumor—often to help other treatments work better.
• What does the Catholic Church teach about assisted dying?That euthanasia and assisted suicide are never permitted, and Catholic facilities may not participate in them.
• What does the control group receive in a clinical trial?The control group usually receives the standard, already-approved treatment for that cancer, not a placebo.
• What does the stage of a cancer mean?Stage describes the extent of a cancer: how large the tumor is, whether it reached nearby lymph nodes, and whether it spread to distant parts of the body.
• What does TNM mean in cancer staging?TNM is the most widely used staging system: T is the tumor, N is nearby lymph nodes, and M is whether the cancer has spread.
• What foods help with nausea during cancer treatment?Cold foods, bland starchy foods, and ginger foods and drinks are easy on the stomach and may ease nausea during treatment.
• What foods help with nausea during chemotherapy?Bland, starchy foods and cold foods are often easier on the stomach; ginger may help.
• What happens during genetic counseling?A counselor maps the family history, weighs whether testing is worth doing, explains what each possible result would mean, and takes written consent before a test is ordered.
• What happens in a phase 1 clinical trial?Researchers test whether a new treatment is safe, what its side effects are, and the highest dose people can tolerate, in a group of about 15 to 30.
• What help can a parish give during cancer treatment?Commonly meals, rides to treatment, visits, home Communion, help with children, and sometimes small financial assistance.
• What helps while waiting for cancer test results?Keeping busy with friends, family, or self-care can ease the stress of waiting for follow-up test results after cancer.
• What helps with memory problems during cancer treatment?Planning your day, exercising your body and mind, and using lists and planners can help manage minor memory problems during cancer treatment, according to the National Cancer Institute.
• What if I can't pay my rent or mortgage during cancer?Talk to your bank or landlord early — they may set up a payment schedule so you do not fall behind.
• What if my insurance won't cover a cancer treatment?Your doctor and billing team can help you seek approval, often with a letter, and you can appeal if needed.
• What is a biopsy?A biopsy is a procedure in which a doctor removes a sample of abnormal tissue so a pathologist can examine it, often the only way to confirm cancer.
• What is a cancer prevention trial?A prevention trial looks at ways to prevent cancer, usually involving people at high risk who don't currently have cancer.
• What is a chemotherapy cycle?A cycle is a period of chemotherapy treatment followed by a period of rest.
• What is a complete blood count (CBC)?A CBC measures red and white blood cells and platelets, and can help diagnose and monitor some cancers.
• What is a CT scan used for in cancer?A CT scan can be used to screen for cancer, help diagnose a tumor, and guide biopsies and treatment.
• What is a financial navigator?A financial navigator helps you understand the insurance plans and cost-saving options you qualify for.
• What is a follow-up care plan?It is a summary of your treatment and next steps that can give you a sense of control after treatment.
• What is a frozen section during surgery?A frozen section is a rapid way to examine tissue during an operation, giving the surgeon an answer in about 15 to 20 minutes.
• What is a hereditary cancer syndrome?A rare inherited condition in which family members have a higher-than-average risk of certain cancers.
• What is a liquid biopsy?A liquid biopsy is a blood test that looks for cancer cells or pieces of tumor DNA in the blood.
• What is a normal PSA level?There's no single normal threshold; a level above 4.0 ng/mL is often considered abnormal, but many things affect it.
• What is a personal health record?A personal health record is a tool you control to enter, manage, and track your medical information.
• What is a plasma cell neoplasm?A plasma cell neoplasm forms when abnormal plasma cells build tumors in bone or soft tissue, ranging from MGUS and plasmacytoma to multiple myeloma.
• What is a polyp in colorectal cancer?A polyp is a growth inside the colon or rectum, and colorectal cancer often begins as one of these growths.
• What is an Institutional Review Board?An Institutional Review Board (IRB) is a group that reviews and approves a clinical trial's protocol to protect participant safety.
• What is anticipatory nausea?Anticipatory nausea happens before treatment, triggered by the treatment setting.
• What is brachytherapy?Brachytherapy is internal radiation using a solid source—seeds, ribbons, or capsules—placed in or near the tumor.
• What is chemo brain?The everyday name for trouble with thinking, concentrating, or remembering during and after cancer treatment. The nickname is misleading in two ways.
• What is cytokine release syndrome?It is a reaction from a large, sudden release of immune substances called cytokines, sometimes seen with CAR T-cell therapy.
• What is enteral and parenteral nutrition?They are forms of nutrition support—through a feeding tube (enteral) or directly into a vein (parenteral).
• What is graft-versus-host disease?Graft-versus-host disease can occur after a donor transplant when the donor's white blood cells attack the recipient's cells.
• What is immunotherapy?Immunotherapy is a cancer treatment that helps your immune system fight cancer, including checkpoint inhibitors, T-cell transfer, and antibodies.
• What is minimally invasive surgery?Minimally invasive surgery uses a few small cuts and a camera called a laparoscope, and usually has a shorter recovery than open surgery.
• What is neutropenia?Neutropenia is a low number of neutrophils, a white blood cell that fights infection.
• What is primary ovarian insufficiency after cancer treatment?It is when cancer treatment causes the ovaries to stop working properly, affecting hormones and egg release, sometimes leading to early menopause.
• What is scan anxiety after cancer?Scanxiety is the anxious feeling many cancer survivors get around the time of scans or follow-up tests, usually from fear the cancer will return.
• What is the difference between a copay and a deductible?A copay is what you pay for each service; a deductible is what you pay before your plan starts paying.
• What is the difference between a CT scan and an MRI?Both create detailed pictures inside the body, but a CT scan uses X-rays while an MRI uses a magnet and radio waves.
• What is the difference between a CT scan and an MRI?Both make detailed pictures inside the body, but a CT uses X-rays while an MRI uses a magnet and radio waves.
• What is the difference between a living will and a power of attorney for health care?A living will states which treatments you want; a power of attorney names a person to decide for you.
• What is the difference between a plasmacytoma and multiple myeloma?The difference is the number of tumors: one tumor is a plasmacytoma, multiple tumors are multiple myeloma.
• What is the difference between a screening test and a diagnosis?Screening tests look for cancer in people without symptoms and are not meant to diagnose cancer; an abnormal result usually leads to more tests.
• What is the difference between benign and malignant tumors?Benign tumors do not spread into nearby tissue, while malignant (cancerous) tumors can invade nearby tissue and spread to distant parts of the body.
• What is the difference between Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma?Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma are the two main types of lymphoma; Hodgkin can often be cured, while the outlook for NHL depends on the specific type.
• What is the difference between inherited and acquired gene changes?Inherited changes are present from birth and can be passed on; acquired changes happen during life and are not.
• What is the difference between intestinal and diffuse stomach cancer?Intestinal and diffuse describe how stomach adenocarcinoma cells look under a microscope.
• What is the difference between low-dose and high-dose brachytherapy?It mainly comes down to how long the radiation source stays in place at a time.
• What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?Medicare is federal health insurance based mainly on age or disability. Medicaid is a state-run program based mainly on income.
• What is the difference between neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy?Neoadjuvant chemo is given before surgery or radiation; adjuvant chemo is given after.
• What is the difference between neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment?Timing. Neoadjuvant treatment comes before the main treatment to shrink a tumor; adjuvant treatment comes after it, to destroy cells that may remain.
• What is the difference between open and minimally invasive surgery?Open surgery uses one large cut; minimally invasive surgery uses a few small cuts and a camera.
• What is the difference between palliative care and hospice?Palliative care can begin at any point during cancer treatment and go along with it, while hospice begins when curative treatment is no longer the goal and the sole focus is quality of life.
• What is the difference between patient care costs and research costs in a clinical trial?Patient care costs are ones you'd have anyway; research costs are specific to being in the trial.
• What is the difference between tumor testing and inherited genetic testing?Tumor testing looks at a cancer to guide treatment; inherited testing looks for changes present from birth that raise risk.
• What is the main risk factor for bladder cancer?Smoking is by far the largest known risk factor for bladder cancer, raising risk four to seven times, and workplace chemicals travel the same route.
• What is the most common type of liver cancer in adults?Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common primary liver cancer in adults, starting in the liver's main working cells and usually following cirrhosis.
• What is the most common type of stomach cancer?Nearly all stomach cancers are adenocarcinomas, which start in the mucus-making cells of the stomach lining.
• What is thrombocytopenia in cancer treatment?Thrombocytopenia is a low platelet count that can happen with some cancer treatments and lead to easier bleeding and bruising.
• What is tumor grade?Tumor grade describes how abnormal the cancer cells look under a microscope.
• What medical records should I keep during cancer treatment?Keep treatment plans, test results, visit dates, treatments, side effects, and medicines, with dates.
• What physical effects do cancer caregivers commonly experience?Caregivers often experience fatigue, a weaker immune system, sleep problems, slower healing, higher blood pressure, appetite changes, headaches, and mood changes.
• What questions should I ask about joining a clinical trial?Prompts covering the trial's purpose, risks and benefits, your rights, costs, and how it compares to standard treatment, adapted from NCI guidance.
• What questions should I ask about my pathology report?Prompts on diagnosis, grade, margins, lymph nodes, and biomarker testing, adapted from National Cancer Institute pathology report guidance.
• What questions should I ask about sex and cancer treatment?Ask what changes are common, when they might happen, how long they last, how they can be managed, and what precautions to take.
• What questions should I ask after a cancer diagnosis?Prompts on your cancer type, stage, next tests, and specialists, adapted from National Cancer Institute suggestions for people newly diagnosed.
• What questions should I ask before joining a clinical trial?Ask about the trial's purpose, its risks and benefits, your rights and privacy, the costs, and how it could affect your daily life.
• What should I ask at my first oncology appointment?Prompts on treatment options, what sessions involve, and how treatment may affect daily life, adapted from National Cancer Institute suggestions.
• What should I ask before a cancer scan or test?Prompts on why the test is needed, how to prepare, contrast dye, and when to expect results, adapted from National Cancer Institute guidance.
• What should I ask my doctor when treatment ends?Prompts on follow-up care, symptoms to watch for, long-term effects, and staying healthy, adapted from National Cancer Institute survivorship guidance.
• What should I do if I can't afford my cancer medicine?Tell your doctor. There may be generics, discount programs, or assistance — do not skip doses.
• What should I do if my medical bill looks wrong?Question it. It is your right to ask the doctor's office or insurer about a bill you think is wrong.
• What should I eat during cancer treatment?During treatment you often need extra protein and calories, so a good cancer diet may differ from a typical healthy diet.
• What should I eat when I have diarrhea from cancer treatment?During treatment-related diarrhea, clear liquids, small meals, low-fiber foods, and foods high in sodium and potassium may help, while some foods should be avoided.
• What should I tell my health care proxy?What a good day looks like to you, what you fear most, and what you want at the end — not just a list of treatments to refuse.
• What should I wear to radiation therapy?Comfortable, soft clothing is best for radiation therapy sessions, and it's smart to skip jewelry, adhesive bandages, and powder near the treatment area.
• What side effects should I ask my doctor about?Prompts on short-term, long-term, and urgent side effects, plus fertility, appetite, and medicine interactions, adapted from NCI guidance.
• What support helps with anxiety and distress during cancer?Emotional and social support, counseling, relaxation training, and group support all help lower distress during cancer.
• What types of anesthesia are used in cancer surgery?Anesthesia can be local (one small area), regional (a body part), or general (deep sleep).
• What's the difference between a PET scan and a CT scan?PET and CT scans show different information and are often combined into one appointment. Here's what each one actually measures.
• What's the difference between a port and a catheter?Ports and catheters both give access to a large vein for chemotherapy, but one stays fully under the skin and the other does not. Here is the difference.
• When are mouth problems from cancer treatment serious?Mouth problems are more serious when they interfere with eating and drinking, which can lead to dehydration or malnutrition.
• When does someone become a cancer survivor?A person is considered a survivor from the time of diagnosis through the rest of life.
• When should I ask about fertility preservation before cancer treatment?At the first oncology appointment. Preservation usually has to happen before treatment starts, and the window is short.
• When should I call my doctor about a rash during immunotherapy?Call your doctor about a severe, extensive, blistering, or painful rash during immunotherapy, especially one involving the eyes or mouth.
• When should I get a mammogram?The USPSTF recommends women at average risk get screening mammograms every 2 years from ages 40 to 74.
• When should I see a doctor about possible cancer symptoms?See a doctor if symptoms do not get better after a few weeks; do not wait to feel pain, because cancer often does not cause pain.
• When should I talk about cancer costs?As early as possible. Knowing costs from the start of care helps you avoid surprises.
• When should I talk to my doctor about depression during cancer?If low feelings last most of the day for more than 2 weeks. That is NCI's threshold. Thoughts of suicide are an exception that needs help now.
• When should we call a priest for a dying relative?Earlier than feels natural. Viaticum is meant to be received while the person can still receive Communion.
• Where does bladder cancer start?Bladder cancer starts in the bladder, and almost all bladder cancers begin in the cells that line the inside of the bladder.
• Where does breast cancer start?Breast cancer starts in the breast and can begin in the milk ducts, the milk-making lobules, the nipple, or other breast tissue.
• Where does cancer most often spread?Cancer can spread almost anywhere, but the most common sites are the bone, liver, and lung.
• Where in the body do head and neck cancers form?They form in the mouth, throat, voice box, sinuses and nasal cavity, and salivary glands.
• Where in the esophagus does cancer start?Esophageal cancer starts on the inside lining of the esophagus and grows outward.
• Which cancers are linked to Lynch syndrome?Lynch syndrome most raises the risk of colorectal and endometrial cancer, and some others, often at younger ages.
• Which cancers have tumor marker tests?Tumor marker tests are used for a wide range of cancer types—some markers are linked to one cancer, others to several.
• Which side effects should I call my doctor about right away?It depends on your treatment. Ask your care team directly which symptoms count as urgent before you're dealing with one.
• Who can help me understand my medical bills?Billing offices, hospital social workers, trusted family, and billing advocates can all help.
• Who can help me with cancer costs?Financial navigators, hospital social workers, financial counselors, and billing advocates can all help.
• Who is most likely to have money problems during cancer?Risk is higher with advanced cancer, younger age, lower income, job loss, and no insurance — but anyone can be affected.
• Who is the best match for a stem cell transplant?Most often a brother or sister. Matching is based on HLA proteins, and the more that are shared, the better the chance the body accepts the cells.
• Who is the patron saint of cancer patients?Peregrine Laziosi is the saint most associated with cancer, and many parishes hold a Saint Peregrine Mass for the sick.
• Who protects my safety in a clinical trial?Safety is protected through informed consent, protocol review by an Institutional Review Board, and ongoing monitoring, including by independent safety boards.
• Who qualifies for Medicare?People 65 and older, people on Social Security disability for 24 months, people with ALS, and people with permanent kidney failure. Income does not affect eligibility.
• Who should be tested first when a mutation runs in a family?When possible, testing often begins with a relative who has had cancer, which gives the clearest information.
• Who should get lung cancer screening?The USPSTF recommends yearly low-dose CT for adults 50–80 with a 20 pack-year history who smoke or quit within 15 years.
• Who should have written permission to receive a loved one's medical and financial information?It's important that at least one family member has written permission to receive medical and financial information, especially for long-distance caregivers.
• Who should I ask about cancer treatment costs?Your doctor, the billing office, a financial counselor, and a hospital social worker can all help.
• Why are so few cancer cures recognized at Lourdes?The criteria require that no treatment could account for the recovery, which rules out almost every modern cancer patient.
• Why can I see my test results before my doctor explains them?Results are often posted to your patient portal before your doctor has had a chance to review and discuss them.
• Why can't I eat or drink before cancer surgery?You may need to avoid food and drink for a period before surgery for your safety under anesthesia.
• Why can't I sleep during cancer treatment?Sleep problems during cancer treatment can be caused by treatment side effects, medicines, long hospital stays, stress, and other factors.
• Why do cancer caregivers need to care for themselves?Because if you do not take care of yourself, you will not be able to take care of others, and caregiving stress can harm your health.
• Why do clinical trials have eligibility requirements?Eligibility requirements reduce medical differences among participants, limit risk of harm, and focus trials on people most likely to benefit.
• Why do I need a biopsy?In most cases a biopsy is the only way to tell for sure whether you have cancer.
• Why do I need a bone marrow biopsy?Bone marrow biopsies give doctors information other tests can't, especially for diagnosing blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma.
• Why do I need contrast dye for a CT scan?Contrast dye is used during some CT scans to make the pictures clearer. Here's what it is, how it's given, and how reactions are handled.
• Why do I need extra protein and calories during cancer treatment?Extra protein and calories help keep your strength up and prevent malnutrition during treatment.
• Why do my blood test results show up in the portal before my doctor calls?Seeing lab results online before your doctor explains them is common and can be unsettling. Here's why it happens and how to read results with context.
• Why do my hands and feet tingle during chemo?Tingling in the hands and feet during cancer treatment can happen when treatment damages sensory nerves—a condition called peripheral neuropathy, per the National Cancer Institute.
• Why do some friends and family not help when someone has cancer?People may hold back for many reasons—fear, their own problems, or not knowing what to say.
• Why do test results appear in my patient portal before my doctor calls?Results often become available in the portal as soon as they're finalized, sometimes before your doctor has had a chance to review and discuss them.
• Why do tumor marker levels go up and down?Tumor marker levels can change for several reasons, including noncancerous conditions and how a tumor is responding to treatment over time.
• Why does cancer treatment cause vaginal dryness?Chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and pelvic radiation can lower estrogen levels, which can lead to vaginal dryness.
• Why does cancer treatment make you so tired?Cancer fatigue is extreme tiredness caused by the cancer, its treatments, and related side effects, and it isn't fully relieved by rest.
• Why does chemotherapy cause constipation?Constipation is a common side effect of some types of chemotherapy, and other treatment-related medicines can add to it.
• Why does chemotherapy cause diarrhea?Chemotherapy can cause diarrhea because it destroys rapidly dividing healthy cells that line the digestive tract along with cancer cells.
• Why does chemotherapy cause easy bleeding and bruising?Some treatments like chemotherapy lower platelets—the cells that help blood clot—so you may bruise and bleed more easily.
• Why does food safety matter during cancer treatment?Some treatments weaken the immune system, raising the risk of foodborne illness.
• Why does good sleep matter during cancer treatment?Good sleep supports clear thinking, blood pressure, appetite, and immunity during cancer treatment, when up to half of people have sleep problems.
• Why does immunotherapy cause side effects?Because the immune system revved up to act against the cancer also acts against healthy cells and tissues. The result is inflammation, organ by organ.
• Why doesn't rest relieve cancer fatigue?Cancer fatigue is different from ordinary tiredness and is not fully relieved by sleep or rest.
• Why is chemotherapy given in cycles?The rest period in each cycle gives the body time to recover and build new healthy cells.
• Why is fertility preservation done before cancer treatment?Because the most effective options usually work best before treatment begins, when the reproductive cells and organs they rely on are less likely to be affected.
• Why is hormone therapy for breast cancer taken for several years?Taken for 5 years or more, it can greatly reduce the risk of the cancer returning.
• Why is it best not to skip a chemotherapy treatment?Staying on schedule helps chemotherapy work as intended; your doctor will adjust it if needed.
• Why is it helpful for caregivers to go to appointments?Going to appointments lets caregivers help with day-to-day logistics like driving, and learn more about treatment so they can feel more confident and support their loved one.
• Why is metastatic breast cancer in the lung not called lung cancer?Metastatic cancer keeps the name of the original cancer, so breast cancer that spreads to the lung is called metastatic breast cancer, not lung cancer.
• Why is ovarian cancer often found late?Ovarian cancer may cause no early signs or symptoms, so it is often advanced when signs finally appear.
• Why might a condom be recommended during cancer treatment for men?Because semen can contain traces of chemotherapy for a time, and contraception may be advised to prevent pregnancy.
• Why should caregivers learn about the cancer type and stage?Learning about the cancer type, stage, and what to expect helps caregivers and families make plans, feel more confident, and support treatment decisions together.
• Why won't some people help when I ask for support as a caregiver?People may not help because they're dealing with their own problems, lack time, fear cancer, or don't realize you need help unless you ask directly.
• Will a Catholic hospital follow my advance directive?It will not honor a directive contrary to Catholic teaching, and should explain why. Raise your document on admission.
• Will a Catholic hospital refer me for medical aid in dying?No. Staff may not refer for it, but must facilitate a safe transfer to a provider you have independently chosen.
• Will a clinical trial affect my daily life?Possibly. It's worth asking your care team how a trial could affect your routine, travel, and hospital stays before you decide.
• Will a second opinion delay my cancer treatment?It depends on your situation. Ask your care team directly, since timing can vary based on how the second opinion is arranged.
• Will an MRI be loud?Yes — MRI machines make loud thumping and rhythmic beating noises. Here is why, so the sound doesn't catch you off guard.
• Will I be radioactive after a PET scan?PET scans use a radioactive tracer, but its radioactivity fades over time and it leaves the body naturally. Here's how that works.
• Will I be radioactive after radiation therapy?External beam radiation does not make you radioactive; some internal (systemic) radiation can for a while.
• Will I become addicted to pain medicine for cancer?Most people with cancer who take strong pain medicine use it safely; needing more or having withdrawal symptoms is not the same as addiction.
• Will I feel pain during cancer surgery?No. Anesthesia prevents pain during the operation. Pain afterward is expected, and the plan for controlling it is set before surgery day.
• Will I get addicted to cancer pain medicine?Needing more medicine over time is not the same as addiction; most people use it safely.
• Will I know if I'm getting a placebo in a clinical trial?You'll be told ahead of time whether a trial uses a placebo, but you may not know which group you're in until later.
• Will I need an injection for my MRI?Not every MRI requires an injection. Here's when a contrast dye is used and what it does for the pictures your care team sees.
• Will my cancer treatment be different at a Catholic hospital?For nearly all oncology care, no. The Ethical and Religious Directives restrict a defined set of decisions, mostly reproductive and end-of-life.
• Will radiation therapy make me radioactive?No — external beam radiation therapy does not make you radioactive, and it's safe to be around others, including pregnant women and children.