Experimental additional frequencies. Use Blood Cleanser.Encyclopedia Entry for Cancer :Cancer - resources. Resources - cancer.Encyclopedia Entry for Cancer :Cancer and lymph nodes. Cancer can start in the lymph nodes. This is called lymphoma. There are several types of lymphomas, such as non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Cancer cells can also spread to the lymph nodes from a cancer in any part of the body. This is called metastatic cancer. Cancer cells break off from a tumor in the body and travel to an area of lymph nodes. The cancer cells often travel to nodes near the tumor first.Nodes swell as they work hard to fight cancer cells. You or your health care provider may feel or see swollen lymph nodes if they are close to the surface of the skin, such as in the neck, groin, or underarms. Keep in mind that many other things also can cause lymph nodes to swell. So having swollen lymph nodes does not mean you definitely have cancer. When a provider suspects that cancer cells may be present in lymph nodes, certain tests may be performed to detect cancer, such as: Lymph node biopsy B-cell leukemia/lymphoma panel Other imaging tests.A node can have a small or large amount of cancer cells in it. There are hundreds of nodes throughout the body. Several clusters or only a few nodes may be affected. Nodes near or far from the primary tumor may be affected. The location, amount of swelling, number of cancer cells, and number of nodes affected will help determine the treatment plan. When cancer has spread to lymph nodes, it is in a more advanced stage. The cancer in lymph nodes can be treated with: Surgery Chemotherapy Radiation.Surgical removal of lymph nodes is called lymphadenectomy. Surgery can help to get rid of the cancer before spreading further. After nodes are removed, fluid has fewer places to go. Sometimes back up of lymph fluid, or lymphedema , can occur.Call your provider if you have questions or concerns about swollen lymph nodes or your cancer treatment.Lymph gland.Camp MS, Smith BL. Lymphatic mapping and sentinel lymphadenectomy.Encyclopedia Entry for Cancer :Cancer prevention: take charge of your lifestyle. Quitting smoking has a direct effect on your risk of cancer. Tobacco contains harmful chemicals that damage your cells and cause cancer growth. Harming your lungs is not the only concern. Smoking and tobacco use cause many types of cancer, such as: Lung Throat Mouth Esophagus Bladder Kidney Pancreatic Certain leukemias Stomach Colon Rectum Cervix Tobacco leaves and the chemicals added to them are not safe. Smoking tobacco in cigarettes, cigars, and pipes, or chewing tobacco can all give you cancer. If you smoke, talk with your health care provider today about ways to quit smoking and all tobacco use.The ultraviolet radiation in sunlight can cause changes to your skin. The sun's rays (UVA and UVB) damage skin cells. These harmful rays are also found in tanning beds and sunlamps. Sunburns and many years of sun exposure can lead to skin cancer. It is unclear whether avoiding the sun or using sunscreen can prevent all skin cancers. Still, you are better off protecting yourself from UV rays: Stay in the shade. Cover up with protective clothing, a hat, and sunglasses. Apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before going outside. Use SPF 30 or higher and reapply every 2 hours if you will be swimming, sweating, or outside in direct sun for a long time. Avoid tanning beds and sun lamps.Carrying a lot of extra weight creates changes in your hormones. These changes can trigger cancer growth. Being overweight (obese) puts you at higher risk for: Breast cancer (after menopause) Colon cancer Endometrial cancer Kidney cancer Pancreatic cancer Esophageal cancer Thyroid cancer Gallbladder cancer Your risk is higher if your body mass index (BMI) is high enough to be considered obese. You can use an online tool to calculate your BMI at www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/assessing/index.html. You can also measure your waist to see where you stand. In general, a woman with a waist over 35 inches (89 centimeters) or a man with a waist over 40 inches (102 centimeters) is at increased risk for health problems from obesity. Exercise regularly and eat healthy foods to keep your weight in check. Ask your provider for advice on how to lose weight safely.Exercise is healthy for all, for many reasons. Studies have shown that people who exercise seem to have a lower risk for certain cancers. Exercise can help you keep your weight down. Staying active may help protect you against colon, breast, lung, and endometrial cancers. According to national guidelines, you should exercise for 2 hours and 30 minutes per week for health benefits. That is 30 minutes at least 5 days per week. Doing more is even better for your health.Good food choices can build up your immune system and may help protect you from cancer. Take these steps: Eat more plant-based foods like fruits, beans, legumes, and green vegetables Drink water and low-sugar drinks Avoid processed foods from boxes and cans Avoid processed meats like hotdogs, bacon, and deli meats Choose lean proteins such as fish and chicken; limit red meat Eat whole grain cereals, pasta, crackers, and breads Limit high-calorie fattening foods, such as French fries, doughnuts, and fast foods Limit candy, baked goods, and other sweets Consume smaller portions of foods and drinks Prepare most of your own foods at home, rather than buying pre-made or eating out Prepare foods by baking rather than broiling or grilling; avoid heavy sauces and creams Stay informed. The chemicals and added sweeteners in certain foods are being looked at for their possible links to cancer.When you drink alcohol, your body has to break it down. During this process, a chemical byproduct is left in the body that can damage cells. Too much alcohol may also get in the way of healthy nutrients your body needs. Drinking too much alcohol is linked to the following cancers: Oral cancer Esophageal cancer Breast cancer Colorectal cancer Liver cancer Limit your alcohol to 2 drinks per day for men and 1 drink per day for women or none at all.Your provider can help you assess your risk for cancer and steps you can take. Visit your provider for a physical exam. That way you stay on top of what cancer screenings you should have. Screening can help to detect cancer early and improve your chance of recovery. Some infections can also cause cancer. Talk with your provider about whether you should have these vaccinations: Human papillomavirus (HPV). The virus increases the risk for cancers of the cervix, penis, vagina, vulvar, anus, and throat. Hepatitis B. Hepatitis B infection increases the risk for liver cancer.Call your provider if: You have questions or concerns about your cancer risk and what you can do You are due for a cancer screening test.Lifestyle modification - cancer.Bevers TB, Brown PH, Maresso KC, Hawk ET. Cancer prevention, screening, and early detection.Encyclopedia Entry for Cancer :Cancer treatment - dealing with pain. The pain from cancer can have a few different causes: The cancer. When a tumor grows it can press on nerves, bones, organs, or the spinal cord, causing pain. Medical tests. Some medical tests, such as a biopsy or bone marrow test, can cause pain. Treatment. Many types of cancer treatments can cause pain, including chemotherapy , radiation , and surgery. Everyone's pain is different. Your pain can range from mild to severe and may last for only a short time or continue for a long time.Many people with cancer do not get enough treatment for their pain. This may be because they do not want to take pain medicine, or they do not think it will help. But treating your pain is part of treating your cancer. You should get treatment for pain just as you would for any other side effect. Managing pain can also help you feel better overall. Treatment can help you: Sleep better Be more active Want to eat Feel less stress and depression Improve your sex life.Some people are afraid to take pain medicines because they think they will become addicted. Over time, your body may develop a tolerance for pain medicine. This means that you may need more of it to treat your pain. This is normal and can happen with other medicines as well. It does not mean you are addicted. As long as you are taking the medicine as prescribed by your doctor, you have little chance of becoming addicted.To make sure you get the right treatment for your pain, it is important to be as honest as possible with your provider. You will want to tell your provider: What your pain feels like (aching, dull, throbbing, constant, or sharp) Where you feel the pain How long the pain lasts How strong it is If there is a time of day it feels better or worse If there is anything else that makes it feel better or worse If your pain keeps you from doing any activities Your provider may ask you to rate your pain using a scale or a chart. It may be helpful to keep a pain diary to help track your pain. You can also keep track of when you take medicine for your pain and how much it helps. This will help your provider know how well the medicine is working.There are three main types of medicines for cancer pain. Your provider will work with you to find a medicine that works best for you with the least amount of side effects. In general, you will start with the least amount of medicine with the fewest side effects that relieves your pain. If one medicine does not work, your provider may suggest another. It may take a little time to find the right medicine and the right dose that is right for you. Non-opioid pain relievers. These medicines include acetaminophen (Tylenol) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), and naproxen (Aleve). They are best to treat mild to moderate pain. You can buy most of these medicines over the counter. Opioids or narcotics. These are stronger medicines that are used to treat moderate to severe pain. You need to have a prescription to take them. Some common opioids include codeine, fentanyl, morphine, and oxycodone. You may take these medicines in addition to other pain relievers. Other types of medicines. Your provider may prescribe other medicines to help with your pain. These can include anticonvulsants or antidepressants for nerve pain or steroids to treat pain from swelling.It is important to take your pain medicine exactly as your provider tells you to. Here are some tips to get the most out of your pain medicine: Tell your provider about all other medicines you are taking. Some pain medicines can interact with other medicines. DO NOT skip doses or try to go longer between doses. Pain is easiest to treat when you treat it early. DO NOT wait until pain is severe before taking your medicine. This may make your pain harder to treat and cause you to need larger doses. DO NOT stop taking the medicine on your own. Tell your provider if you have side effects or other issues. Your provider can help you find ways to deal with side effects or other problems. If the side effects are too severe, you may need to try another medicine. Tell your provider if the medicine is not working. They may increase your dose, have you take it more often, or try another medicine.In some cases, your provider may suggest another type of treatment for your cancer pain. Some options include: Transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS). TENS is a mild electrical current that can help ease pain. You place it on the part of your body where you feel pain. Nerve block. This is a special type of pain medicine injected around or into a nerve to ease pain. Radiofrequency ablation. Radio waves heat up regions of nerve tissue to help ease pain. Radiation therapy. This treatment can shrink a tumor that is causing pain. Chemotherapy. These medicines can also shrink a tumor to reduce pain. Surgery. Your provider may use surgery to remove a tumor that is causing pain. In some cases, a type of brain surgery can cut the nerves that carry pain messages to your brain. Complementary or alternative treatments. You may also choose to try treatments such as acupuncture, chiropractic, meditation, or biofeedback to help treat your pain. In most cases, people use these methods in addition to medicines or other types of pain relief.Palliative - cancer pain.Byker GL, Leskuski D. Nonpharmacologic management of pain.Encyclopedia Entry for Cancer :Cancer treatment - early menopause. Cancer treatments that can cause early menopause include: Surgery. Having both ovaries removed causes menopause to happen right away. If you are age 50 or younger, your provider may try to leave an ovary or part of an ovary if possible. This can keep you from having early menopause. Chemotherapy (chemo). Some types of chemo can damage your ovaries and cause early menopause. You may have menopause right away or months after treatment. Your risk of early menopause from chemo depends on the type and amount of chemo drug you have. The younger you are, the less likely you will have early menopause from chemo. Radiation. Getting radiation in your pelvic area can also damage your ovaries. In some cases, your ovaries may heal and start working again. But, if you get large doses of radiation, the damage may be permanent. Hormone therapy. These treatments used to treat breast and uterine cancers can often cause early menopause. Ask your provider if your cancer treatment may cause early menopause.When your ovaries are removed or stop working, they no longer make estrogen. This causes the same symptoms as natural menopause. Vaginal dryness or tightness Hot flashes Mood changes Lower sex drive Problems sleeping In some cases, these symptoms may come on strong and can be severe. Less estrogen in your body also increases your risk for certain health conditions, such as: Heart disease Osteoporosis (thinning of bones).Many treatments can help ease the symptoms of early menopause. They include medicines and lifestyle treatments you can do at home. Some medicines that may help include: Hormone therapy. In some cases, your provider may prescribe female hormones to help with hot flashes and other symptoms. But, there are some risks with hormones, and you may not be able to take them if you have had certain types of cancer. Vaginal estrogen. Even if you cannot take hormone therapy, you may be able to use small amounts of estrogen in or around your vagina to help with dryness. These hormones come in creams, gels, tablets, and rings. You need a prescription from your provider for these medicines. Antidepressants or other medicines. If you cannot take hormones, your provider may prescribe another type of medicine to help with hot flashes, such as certain antidepressants. Lubricants or moisturizers. These products can help make sex more comfortable if you have vaginal dryness. Look for a water-based lubricant, such as K-Y Jelly or Astroglide. Or, try using a vaginal moisturizer like Replens every few days. Medicines for bone loss. Some women take medicines to help reduce bone loss after menopause. Ask your provider if this type of medicine may be right for you. Treatments you can try at home include: Staying active. Getting regular exercise can help with mood swings, sleep problems, and mild hot flashes. Healthy sleep habits. Getting enough sleep may help ease mood swings. But, if you are having trouble sleeping at night, try skipping naps during the day. You should also avoid caffeine late in the day, and do not have large meals or do anything too active right before bedtime. Dressing in layers. This can help with hot flashes, since you can remove layers when you feel hot. It can also help to dress in loose, cotton clothing. Ask your provider what treatments might work best for you.Since early menopause can affect your bone and heart health, it's important to take steps to keep them healthy. Here is how: Eat healthy foods. Focus on fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, fish, nuts, beans, and low-fat dairy products. Get enough calcium and vitamin D. These nutrients help build bones. Foods rich in calcium include fat-free yogurt and milk, spinach, and white beans. Your body makes most of its vitamin D from the sun, but you can also get it from salmon, eggs, and milk that has vitamin D added. Ask your provider if you need to take supplements. Get exercise. The best kinds of exercise for your bones are weight-bearing exercises that work your body against gravity. Some ideas include walking, yoga, hiking, dancing, lifting weights, gardening, and tennis. DO NOT smoke. Smoking raises your risk for both osteoporosis and heart disease. If you need help quitting, ask your provider. Ask about a bone density test. This is a test that checks for osteoporosis. Most women have this test after age 65, but you may need one earlier if you have early menopause. Keep track of your numbers. Make sure your provider checks your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels regularly. These simple tests can help tell you if you are at risk for heart disease or stroke.Premature menopause; Ovarian insufficiency - cancer.American Cancer Society. Premature menopause. Cancer.org Web site. Updated August 29, 2013. www.cancer.org/treatment/treatmentsandsideeffects/physicalsideeffects/sexualsideeffectsinwomen/sexualityforthewoman/sexuality-for-women-with-cancer-early-menopause. Accessed January 20, 2017. Beaupin LK, O'Connor T, Trump DL. Reproductive complications.Encyclopedia Entry for Cancer :Cancer treatment - preventing infection. As part of your immune system, your white blood cells help fight infection. White blood cells are made in your bone marrow. Some types of cancer, such as leukemia, and some treatments including bone marrow transplant and chemotherapy affect your bone marrow and immune system. This makes it harder for your body to make new white blood cells and increases your infection risk. Your health care provider will check your white blood cell count during your treatment. When levels of certain white blood cells drop too low, it is called neutropenia. Often this is a short-lived side effect of cancer treatment. Your provider may give you medicines to help prevent infection if this occurs. But, you should also take some precautions. Other risk factors for infection in people with cancer, include: Catheters Medical conditions such as diabetes or COPD Recent surgery Malnutrition.There are many things you can do to help prevent infection. Here are some tips: Wash your hands often. Hand washing is very important after using the bathroom, before eating or cooking, after touching animals, and after blowing your nose or coughing. Carry hand sanitizer for times when you cannot wash. Take care of your mouth. Brush your teeth often with a soft toothbrush and use a mouth rinse that does not contain alcohol. Stay away from sick people. It is easy to catch a cold, the flu, chicken pox, or other infection from someone who has it. You should also avoid anyone who has had a live vaccine. Clean yourself carefully after bowel movements. Use baby wipes or water instead of toilet paper and let your provider know if you have any bleeding or hemorrhoids. Make sure your food and drinks are safe. DO NOT eat fish, eggs, or meat that is raw or undercooked. And DO NOT eat anything that is spoiled or past the freshness date. Ask someone else to clean up after pets. DO NOT pick up pet waste or clean fish tanks or birdcages. Carry sanitizing wipes. Use them before touching public surfaces such as doorknobs, ATM machines, and railings. Guard against cuts. Use an electric razor to avoid nicking yourself while shaving and do not tear at nail cuticles. Also be careful when using knives, needles, and scissors. If you do get a cut, clean it right away with soap, warm water, and an antiseptic. Clean your cut this way every day until it forms a scab. Use gloves when gardening. There are often bacteria in soil. Stay away from crowds. Plan your outings and errands for times that are less crowded. Wear a mask when you have to be around lots of people. Be gentle with your skin. Use a towel to gently pat dry your skin after a shower or bath, and use lotion to keep it soft. DO NOT pick at pimples or other spots on your skin. Ask about getting a flu shot. DO NOT get any vaccines without first talking to your provider. You should NOT receive any vaccines that contain a live virus. Skip the nail salon and care for your nails at home. Make sure you use tools that have been cleaned well.It is important to know the symptoms of an infection so you can call your provider right away. They include: A fever of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher Chills or sweats Redness or swelling anywhere on your body Cough Earache Headache, stiff neck Sore throat Sores in your mouth or on your tongue Rash Bloody or cloudy urine Pain or burning with urination Nasal congestion, sinus pressure or pain Vomiting or diarrhea Pain in your stomach or rectum DO NOT take acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or any medicine that may reduce a fever without first talking with your provider.During or right after cancer treatment, call your provider right away if you have any of the signs of infection mentioned above. Getting an infection during cancer treatment is an emergency. If you go to an emergency room, tell the staff right away that you have cancer. You shouldn't sit in the waiting room a long time because you may catch an infection.Chemotherapy - preventing infection; Radiation - preventing infection; Bone marrow transplant - preventing infection; Cancer treatment - immunosuppression.American Cancer Society. Infections in people with cancer. Cancer.org Web site. Updated February 25, 2015. www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/infections/infections-in-people-with-cancer.html. Accessed January 20, 2017. Freifeld AG, Kaul DR. Infection in the patient with cancer.Encyclopedia Entry for Cancer :Cancer treatment: dealing with hot flashes and night sweats. People who are treated for breast cancer or prostate cancer are likely to have hot flashes and night sweats during or after treatment. In women, some cancer treatments can cause them to go into early menopause. Hot flashes and night sweats are common symptoms of menopause. These treatments include some types of: Radiation Chemotherapy Hormone treatment Surgery to remove your ovaries In men, surgery to remove one or both testicles or treatment with certain hormones can cause these symptoms. Hot flashes and night sweats also may be caused by some medicines: Aromatase inhibitors. Used as hormone therapy for some women with certain types of breast cancer. Opioids. Strong pain relievers given to some people with cancer. Tamoxifen. A drug used to treat breast cancer in both women and men. It is also used to prevent cancer in some women. Tricyclic antidepressants. A type of antidepressant drug. Steroids. Used to reduce swelling. They also may be used to treat some cancers.There are a few kinds of medicines that can help ease hot flashes and night sweats. But they also may cause side effects or have certain risks. Talk with your health care provider about your options. If one medicine does not work for you, your provider may try another. Hormone therapy (HT). HT works well to reduce symptoms. But women need to use caution with HT. Also, women who have had breast cancer should not take estrogen. Men can use estrogen or progesterone to treat these symptoms after treatment for prostate cancer. Antidepressants. Clonidine (a type of blood pressure medicine). Anticonvulsants.Some other types of treatments may help with hot flashes and night sweats. Relaxation techniques or stress reduction. Learning how to decrease stress and anxiety may help relieve hot flashes in some people. Hypnosis. During hypnosis, a therapist can help you relax and focus on feeling cool. Hypnosis also may help you lower your heart rate, lessen stress, and balance your body temperature, which can help reduce hot flashes. Acupuncture. Although some studies have found that acupuncture can help with hot flashes, others have not found a benefit. If you are interested in acupuncture, ask your provider if it might be an option for you.You can also try some simple things at home to help relieve night sweats. Open windows and keep fans running to get air moving through your home. Wear loose-fitting cotton clothing. Try breathing deeply and slowly to help reduce symptoms.American Cancer Society website. Premature menopause. www.cancer.org/content/cancer/en/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/fertility-and-sexual-side-effects/sexuality-for-women-with-cancer/problems.html. Updated January 12, 2017. Accessed August 22, 2018. Kadakia KC, Loprinzi CL. Hot flashes.Encyclopedia Entry for Cancer :Cancer treatment: fertility and sexual side effects in women. Many cancer treatments can cause sexual side effects. But you are more likely to have these side effects if you are being treated for one of these types of cancer: Cervical cancer Ovarian cancer Colorectal cancer Uterine cancer Vaginal cancer Breast cancer Bladder cancer.For women, the most common sexual side effects include: Loss of desire Pain during sex Other side effects can include: Not being able to have an orgasm Numbness or pain in the genitals Problems with fertility Many people also have emotional side effects after cancer treatment, such as feeling depressed or bad about your body. These side effects can also affect your sex life. You may not feel like having sex or may not want your partner to touch your body.Different types of cancer treatment can affect your sexuality and fertility in different ways. Surgery for cancer: Pelvic surgery can cause pain and problems having sex or getting pregnant. Some women who have surgery to remove all or part of a breast find they have less interest in sex. The type of side effect you have depends on which part of the body where you have the surgery and how much tissue is removed. Chemotherapy can cause: Loss of sexual desire Pain with sex and problems having an orgasm Vaginal dryness and shrinking and thinning of the vaginal walls due to lower estrogen. Problems with fertility Radiation therapy can cause: Loss of sexual desire Changes in the lining of your vagina. This can cause pain and problems with fertility. Hormone therapy for breast cancer can cause: Loss of sexual desire Vaginal pain or dryness Trouble having an orgasm.One of the most important things you can do is to talk with your doctor about sexual side effects before your treatment. Ask what types of possible side effects to expect and how long they will last. This way, you will know what to expect. You should also talk about these changes with your partner. If your treatment can cause fertility problems, you may want to see a fertility doctor before your treatment to discuss your options if you want to have children. These options may include freezing your eggs or ovarian tissue.Although many women continue to have sex during cancer treatment, you may find you are not interested in sex. Both of these responses are normal. If you do want to have sex, make sure to ask your doctor if it is OK. Also ask about using birth control. In many cases, it is not safe to get pregnant during cancer treatment.Sex may feel different for you after your treatment, but there are ways to help cope. Focus on the positive. Feeling bad about your body can affect your sex life. Look for little ways to give yourself a lift, such as a new hairstyle, new makeup or a new outfit. Give yourself time. It can take months to heal after cancer treatment. Do not push yourself to have sex just because you think you should. Once you are ready, remember that it may take longer for you to feel aroused. You also may need to use a lubricant. Keep an open mind. There is not just one way to have sex. Try to stay open to all ways of being intimate. Experiment with new ways of touching. You may find that what feels good after treatment is not the same as what felt good before treatment. See your doctor. If you are having pain with sex, tell your doctor. You may be recommended creams, lubricants, or other treatments. Talk with your partner. This is very important. Try to be open about your feelings. Be honest about what would make you feel good. And try to listen to your partner's concerns or desires with an open mind. Share your feelings. It is normal to feel anger or grief after cancer treatment. Do not hold it in. Talk with close friends and family. It can also help to talk with a counselor if you cannot shake feelings of loss and grief.Radiotherapy - fertility; Radiation - fertility; Chemotherapy - fertility; Sexual dysfunction - cancer treatment.American Cancer Society website. Fertility and women with cancer. www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/fertility-and-sexual-side-effects/fertility-and-women-with-cancer.html. Updated November 6, 2016. Accessed August 22, 2018. American Cancer Society website. Questions women have about cancer, sex, and getting professional help. www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/fertility-and-sexual-side-effects/sexuality-for-women-with-cancer/faqs.html. Updated January 12, 2017. Accessed August 22, 2018. Beaupin LK, O'Connor T, Trump DL. Reproductive complications.Encyclopedia Entry for Cancer :Cancer treatments. American Cancer Society website. Treatments and side effects. www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects.html. Accessed December 15, 2017. Doroshow JH. Approach to the patient with cancer.Encyclopedia Entry for Cancer :Cancer. Cancer grows out of cells in the body. Normal cells multiply when the body needs them, and die when they are damaged or the body doesn't need them. Cancer appears to occur when the genetic material of a cell becomes changed. This results in cells growing out of control. Cells divide too quickly and do not die in a normal way. There are many kinds of cancer. Cancer can develop in almost any organ or tissue, such as the lung, colon, breast, skin, bones, or nerve tissue. There are many risk factors for cancer, including: Benzene and other chemicals Drinking too much alcohol Environmental toxins, such as certain poisonous mushrooms and a type of mold that can grow on peanut plants and produce a toxin called aflatoxin Genetic problems Obesity Radiation exposure Too much sunlight exposure Viruses The cause of many cancers remains unknown. The most common cause of cancer-related death is lung cancer. In the United States, skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer. In US men, other than skin cancer the three most common cancers are: Prostate cancer Lung cancer Colorectal cancer In US women, other than skin cancer the three most common cancers are: Breast cancer Lung cancer Colorectal cancer Some cancers are more common in certain parts of the world. For example, in Japan, there are many cases of stomach cancer. But in the United States, this type of cancer is less common. Differences in diet or environmental factors may play a role. Some other types of cancer include: Brain cancer Cervical cancer Hodgkin lymphoma Kidney cancer Leukemia Liver cancer Non-Hodgkin lymphoma Ovarian cancer Pancreatic cancer Testicular cancer Thyroid cancer Uterine cancer.Symptoms of cancer depend on the type and location of the cancer. For example, lung cancer can cause coughing , shortness of breath , or chest pain. Colon cancer often causes diarrhea , constipation , and blood in the stool. Some cancers may not have any symptoms. In certain cancers, such as pancreatic cancer, symptoms often do not start until the disease has reached an advanced stage. The following symptoms may occur with cancer: Chills Fatigue Fever Loss of appetite Malaise Night sweats Pain Weight loss.Like symptoms, the signs of cancer vary based on the type and location of the tumor. Common tests include the following: Biopsy of the tumor Blood tests (which look for chemicals such as tumor markers) Bone marrow biopsy (for lymphoma or leukemia) Chest x-ray Complete blood count (CBC) CT scan Liver function tests MRI scan PET scan Most cancers are diagnosed by biopsy. Depending on the location of the tumor, the biopsy may be a simple procedure or a serious operation. Most people with cancer have CT scans to determine the exact location and size of the tumor or tumors. A cancer diagnosis is often difficult to cope with. It is important that you discuss the type, size, and location of the cancer with your health care provider when you are diagnosed. You also will want to ask about treatment options, along with the benefits and risks. It's a good idea to have someone with you at the provider's office to help you get through the diagnosis. If you have trouble asking questions after hearing about your diagnosis, the person you bring with you can ask them for you.Treatment varies, based on the type of cancer and its stage. The stage of a cancer refers to how much it has grown and whether the tumor has spread from its original location. If the cancer is in one location and has not spread, the most common treatment approach is surgery to cure the cancer. This is often the case with skin cancers , as well as cancers of the lung, breast, and colon. If the tumor has spread to local lymph nodes only, sometimes these can be removed. If surgery cannot remove all of the cancer, the options for treatment may include radiation , chemotherapy , immunotheraphy , targeted cancer therapies , or other types of treatment. Some cancers require a combination of treatments. Lymphoma, or cancer of the lymph glands, is rarely treated with surgery. Chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, and other nonsurgical therapies are often used. Although treatment for cancer can be difficult, there are many ways to keep up your strength. If you have radiation treatment: Treatment is usually scheduled every weekday. You should allow 30 minutes for each treatment session, although the treatment itself usually takes only a few minutes. You should get plenty of rest and eat a well-balanced diet during the course of your radiation therapy. Skin in the treated area may become sensitive and easily irritated. Some side effects of radiation treatment are temporary. They vary, depending on the area of the body that is being treated. If you have chemotherapy: Eat right. Get plenty of rest, and don't feel like you have to accomplish tasks all at once. Avoid people with colds or the flu. Chemotherapy can cause your immune system to weaken. Talk with family, friends, or a support group about your feelings. Work with your providers throughout your treatment. Helping yourself can make you feel more in control.The diagnosis and treatment of cancer often causes a lot of anxiety and can affect a person's entire life. There are many resources for cancer patients.The outlook depends on the type of cancer and the stage of the cancer when diagnosed. Some cancers can be cured. Other cancers that are not curable can still be treated effectively. Some people can live for many years with cancer. Other tumors are quickly life threatening.Complications depend on the type and stage of cancer. The cancer may spread.Contact your provider if you develop symptoms of cancer.You can reduce the risk of getting a cancerous (malignant) tumor by: Eating healthy foods Exercising regularly Limiting alcohol Maintaining a healthy weight Minimizing your exposure to radiation and toxic chemicals Not smoking or chewing tobacco Reducing sun exposure, especially if you burn easily Cancer screenings, such as mammography and breast examination for breast cancer and colonoscopy for colon cancer, may help catch these cancers at their early stages when they are most treatable. Some people at high risk for developing certain cancers can take medicines to reduce their risk.Carcinoma; Malignant tumor.After chemotherapy - discharge.Doroshow JH. Approach to the patient with cancer.Encyclopedia Entry for Cancer :Cancer Bladder. Can be caused by Schistosoma helminths, Bilharzia, Human Papilloma virus (HPV).Information from Marcello Allegretti.Encyclopedia Entry for Cancer :Cancer Esophageal. May be caused by Porphyromonas gingivalis.Information from Marcello Allegretti.Encyclopedia Entry for Cancer :Cancer Gallbladder. Can be caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi.Information from Marcello Allegretti.Encyclopedia Entry for Cancer :Cancer Liver. Can be caused by Hepatitis B virus, Hepatitis C virus, and by the helminth Schistosoma japonicum.Information from Marcello Allegretti.Encyclopedia Entry for Cancer :Cancer Lung. Can be caused by the bacterium Chlamydia Pneumoniae, with Human Papillomaviruses, and with Merkel cell Polyomavirus. Also from a bacterium called Pseudomonas Solanacearum.Information from Marcello Allegretti.Encyclopedia Entry for Cancer :Cancer Oropharyngeal. Can be caused by Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).Information from Marcello Allegretti.Encyclopedia Entry for Cancer :Cancer Ovarian. Can be associated with Mumps virus.Information from Marcello Allegretti.Encyclopedia Entry for Cancer :Cancer Pancreatic. Can be caused by Hepatitis B virus and the bacterium Helicobacter pylori.Information from Marcello Allegretti.Encyclopedia Entry for Cancer :Cancer Prostate. Can be caused by Xenotropic murine leukemia virus, BK virus, Propionibacterium Acnes, Trichomonas vaginalis (protozoan). In addition by Human Papilloma virus (HPV) along with the Epstein Barr virus (EBV).Information from Marcello Allegretti.Encyclopedia Entry for Cancer :Cancer Stomach. Can be caused by Helicobacter pylori.Information from Marcello Allegretti.Encyclopedia Entry for Cancer :Cancer Thyroid. Can be caused by Simian virus 40.Information from Marcello Allegretti.