What is Cancer and How Does it Develop?

When you or someone you love is diagnosed with cancer, learning as much as you can about this disease can be helpful. This knowledge can help you make decisions on cancer treatment and understand more about how this disease develops.

What Is Cancer?

Although you’ve probably heard about cancer for years, you might not know exactly what it is. Cancer is a disease that causes cells in your body to grow and multiply in an abnormal way. Usually, your cells normally grow when certain signals in your body tell them to. Cancer cells don’t need these signals in order to grow. Instead, they grow on their own. These cells also don’t pay attention to signals that tell them to stop growing.

In some cases, cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body, which is known as metastasis. Cancer cells typically form tumors that are able to grow and travel to other areas of your body. Certain types of cancer, such as blood cancers, do not usually have solid tumors.

Cancer Development

How does cancer develop? This disease can develop when changes in certain genes occur. These genes are responsible for controlling how cells grow and divide, so changes to them can result in abnormal growth.

These genetic changes can occur for different reasons, such as DNA damage from the sun’s ultraviolet rays or cigarette smoke. In some cases, these changes are inherited from parents. In other cases, errors during cell division can lead to these changes.

Ways to Treat Cancer

Different treatment options for cancer include chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and immunotherapy. Each option treats cancer in a different way.

If you’re interested in learning more about immunotherapy for cancer, please contact Issels® today. We can help you learn more about this type of cancer treatment.

Coping and Living Well After A Cancer Diagnosis

When you receive a diagnosis of cancer, your mental and emotional adjustment can make a difference during your course of immuno oncology treatment. Unfortunately, most people have no frame of reference for coping with such news.

The American Cancer Society offers helpful tips for coming to terms with a cancer diagnosis and continuing to live life to the fullest.

Follow Your Own Path

Your situation is unique. Others may offer ideas of what has worked for them, but don’t feel obligated to follow them to the letter. View these tips as suggestions and try out different methods to find your own best solution.

Learn About Your Cancer

Knowledge is power. The unknown is often more frightening than the reality, so take time to educate yourself about your type of cancer and the various treatment options that are available.

Stay Active

The link between exercise and mood is well-documented. Physical activity stimulates production of endorphins, which are natural mood elevators. Consult with your doctor to make sure you’re not overdoing it.

Let Your Feelings Out

Many people believe that fear, anger and other negative emotions must remain hidden, but that can make your situation even harder to bear. Talk to friends and family, join a support group or try an artistic outlet such as writing or painting.

Be Kind to Yourself

Make a point each day of doing something that makes you happy, whether it’s meeting a friend for lunch or simply meditating for 15 minutes.

Issels®: Immuno Oncology Personally Created for You

Our non-toxic immunotherapy programs are individually designed to meet your specific needs. Contact us to learn more about the Issels Cancer Treatment.