Understanding cancer: diagnosis and treatment

How is cancer diagnosed?

The earlier a cancer is diagnosed and treated, the better the chance of its being cured. Some types of cancer – such as those of the skin, breast, mouth, testicles, prostate and rectum – may be detected by changes you notice yourself or other screening measures before the symptoms become serious. Most cases of cancer are detected and diagnosed after a tumour can be felt or when other symptoms develop. In a few cases cancer is diagnosed incidentally as a result of evaluating or treating other medical conditions.

Diagnosis begins with a thorough physical examination and a complete medical history. Laboratory studies of blood, urine and stool can detect abnormalities that may indicate cancer. When a tumour is suspected, imaging tests such as X-rays, computerised tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound and fibreoptic scope examinations help doctors determine its location and size. To confirm the cancer diagnosis, a biopsy is performed: a tissue sample is surgically removed from the suspected malignancy and studied under a microscope to check for cancer cells.

If the diagnosis is positive (meaning cancer is present), other tests are performed to provide specific information about the cancer. This essential follow-up phase of diagnosis is called staging. The most important thing doctors need to know is whether cancer has spread from one area of the body to another.

What are the treatments for cancer?

Curative treatment attempts to eradicate or slow the disease with some combination of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and possibly hormone therapy or immunotherapy. When cancer is no longer detected, a patient is said to be in remission. Generally, patients who remain cancer-free for five or more years are considered cured. Some cancers cannot be cured but all can be treated, and in most cases the patient will improve.

Cancer support

Supportive care from nurses and other professionals accompanies cancer treatment. The goal is to relieve pain and other symptoms, maintain general health and provide emotional, psychological and logistical support to patients and their families. Similar supportive treatment is available to rehabilitate patients after curative treatment.
Supportive therapy such as hospice care is available for cancer patients nearing the end of their lives.

Exercise and cancer

Exercise can help control fatigue, muscle tension and anxiety in those with cancer. Patients tend to feel better if they do exercises such as walking or swimming, which calm the mind as well as strengthen the body.

Mind/body medicine for cancer

Some mind/body therapies work to improve quality of life for cancer patients through behaviour modification; others encourage expression of emotions.  Several, such as guided imagery and hypnotherapy, are used to alleviate pain, nausea or the anxiety that may occur in anticipation of or after cancer treatment. Individual or group counselling and art or music therapy let patients confront problems and emotions caused by cancer and receive support from fellow patients. Patients who pursue these types of therapies tend to feel less lonely, less anxious about death and more optimistic about recovery.

Nutrition, diet, and cancer

Scientific evidence suggests that nutrition may play a role in cancer prevention. But no diet has been shown to slow or reverse cancer – and no diet cures cancer. Researchers are interested in antioxidants – vitamins A (particularly beta carotene), C, E and selenium – but are also studying folic acid, vitamin B-6, magnesium, zinc, coenzyme Q10 and phytonutrients (substances in plants that seem to help prevent cancer), among others. Also, observational studies have shown that cancer is more common is some people with certain dietary habits – such as colorectal cancer in people who have diets rich in meat products.

As a rule, patients should avoid any diet that claims to cure cancer, advocates abandoning standard treatment, causes severe weight loss or weakness, requires severe food restriction or costs a lot of money.

Acupuncture and acupressure

Acupuncture and acupressure are perfect examples of “complementary” medicine for cancer. While neither claim to cure the disease, evidence shows that they help reduce symptoms of the illness and side effects of the treatment.
Acupuncture can be an effective remedy for the vomiting and nausea often experienced after chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. Acupressure can also work to alleviate nausea, and may be helpful in controlling pain. Electro-acupuncture, in which electric current is applied to the acupuncture point, can be effective for cancer-related pain as well.

Herbs to fight cancer

Numerous herbal remedies profess to fight cancer and its related symptoms. Unfortunately, little solid evidence exists to prove their efficacy. A few herbs may help with specific complaints: ginger tea and peppermint tea or lozenges may ameliorate nausea, valerian can help with anxiety and stress, capsaicin cream might relieve muscle aches and St John’s wort may help combat depression.
Be cautious in your use of herbs: consult your doctor, research carefully and confer with an expert on herbal remedies.

Homeopathy and cancer

Homeopathic preparations may ease the nausea, fatigue and anxiety associated with cancer and its treatment. While some believe that homeopathic medicines act only as “placebos”, evidence exists that using homeopathy increases people’s sense of self-control and lessens the severity of their symptoms. Safe and free of side effects, homeopathy only presents a danger if its use delays conventional treatment.

Social support and spirituality

Having the support of friends and family can help you deal with the depression, fear and anxiety that accompany a serious illness like cancer. Meditation and prayer can relieve stress, create a sense of meaning and purpose, and provide solace. There is evidence that meditation can also improve your mood, boost the immune system and help to control pain.

Controversial cancer treatments

The search for new cancer treatments is a vigorous and highly controversial branch of medical research. All treatments must be thoroughly tested and proven effective before they are authorised for general use. Supporters of some experimental treatments claim remarkable recoveries. Critics insist that objective trials, not anecdotal claims, are the only true measure of their worth.
The following treatments have their share of advocates but have thus far been deemed ineffective or unproven in independent tests and clinical trials: hydrazine sulfate, studied by Dr Joseph Gold as a cancer therapy since the 1970s; Dr Stanislaw Burzynski’s treatment with antineoplastons, originally synthesised from human urine; the “immuno-augmentative therapy” of the late Dr Lawrence Burton; Dr Emanuel Revici’s “biologically guided chemotherapy”; Dr Gaston Naessens’ “714X” therapy; shark cartilage supplements; oxygen therapy; hydrogen peroxide therapy; and ozone therapy.

At-home care for cancer

Relieving side effects of cancer treatment:

After radiation therapy, be gentle to your skin. Do not scrub it, expose it to sunlight or wear tight clothing. Aloe vera ointment is gentle and soothing, and you can ask your radiation oncologist or radiation therapist about other non-irritating lotions.

Eat light snacks throughout the day rather than three heavy meals. Also try eating food cold or at room temperature to avoid nausea.
If your treatment involves lowering your white blood cell count, steer clear of sick people; tell your doctor about any fever or unusual symptoms.
Relieving pain:
In addition to taking prescribed medication, try relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation.
Other tips:
Join a cancer support group.
Get plenty of rest.
Rather than feeling compelled to maintain a “positive attitude”, express your emotions honestly. Don’t worry if you sometimes feel depressed or afraid. These are normal and legitimate reactions that will not make your cancer worse.
Fill your days with activities you enjoy. Reading a good book, listening to music and talking with friends are simple pleasures but surprisingly therapeutic.
Contact Cancer Research UK and  Macmillan Cancer Support for free information about cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and tips for managing cancer symptoms.