Millions of people are living with cancer or have been cured of the disease. In fact, there are nearly 9.6 million cancer survivors in America. The
earlier cancer is diagnosed and treatment begins, the better a patient’s chances are of entering a remission. That is why early detection of cancer
is such an important weapon in the fight against the disease.
Why do cancer cells develop?
Cancer cells develop because of damage to DNA. Normally the body is able to repair damaged DNA. In cancer cells, the damaged DNA is not repaired.
People can inherit damaged DNA, but it is more likely that DNA becomes damaged by exposure to something in the environment.
Is a tumor the same as cancer?
Cancer usually forms as a tumor, but not in all cases. Some cancers, such as leukemia, do not form tumors. Instead, these cancer cells involve the
blood and blood-forming organs and circulate through other tissues where they grow. In fact, not all tumors are cancerous. Benign (non-cancerous)
tumors do not spread to other parts of the body, and with very rare exceptions, are not life threatening.
Who gets cancer?
More than 1.3 million Americans are diagnosed with cancer each year. Approximately one out of every two men and one out of every three women will
develop some type of cancer during their lifetimes. Anyone can get cancer at any age; however, nearly 80 percent of all cancers occur in people over
the age of 55. Although cancer occurs in Americans of all racial and ethnic groups, the rate of cancer occurrence varies from group to group.
What causes cancer?
Current research indicates that there are five cancers that can be impacted through prevention and detection methods – cervical, breast, prostate,
colon and skin. Screening methods such as PAP smears, mammography, Prostate Specific Antigen levels, colonoscopy and physical exams have proven
beneficial for screening and detecting cancer at the earliest stages. Evidence also suggests that common sense approaches to lifestyle choices can
make a difference in lowering a person’s cancer risk. These choices include consuming a low fat diet, exercising, avoiding tobacco products and
excessive alcohol consumption. Studies are ongoing in these areas to determine the exact link between lifestyle choices and the risk of developing
cancer.
What are the risk factors for cancer?
A risk factor is anything that increases a person’s chance of getting a disease. Some risk factors can be changed and others cannot. Risk factors
for cancer can include a person’s age, gender and family medical history. Others are linked to cancer-causing factors in the environment or lifestyle
choices. Those with a family history of cancer should consider beginning routine screenings earlier in life than is typically recommended.
Do different kinds of cancer have different risk factors?
Yes. Some of the major risk factors include the following:
Cancers of the lung, mouth, larynx, bladder, kidney, cervix, esophagus and pancreas can be related to tobacco use.
Skin cancer is related to unprotected exposure to strong sunlight.
Breast cancer risk factors include age, changes in hormone levels throughout life, obesity and physical activity. Also, women with a mother or
sister who has had breast cancer are more likely to develop the disease themselves.
Prostate cancer risk factors include age, race (it is more common among African-American men then among Caucasian men) and a high fat diet. Also,
men with a father or brother who has had prostate cancer are more likely to develop prostate cancer themselves.
How often should I present my Insurance Card?
At each visit, please give your insurance card to the person at the front desk.
What should be done prior to my visit?
Have all your records sent/faxed to the Oncologist's office. Medical Oncologist: X-Ray, CT Scans, Lab, Pathology, Referring Doctor notes.
Hematology Oncologist: Lab, Referring Doctor notes. Insurance Referrals - fax or hand-carry.
When I arrive, what can I expect?
The doctors see patients on an appointment basis. Wheelchairs are available at all locations for patients who need assistance. When you arrive for
your appointment, please be sure to check in with the receptionist. At that time, the receptionist will provide you with information and direct you
to the next area.
What is Cancer?
Cancer is not one disease, but a general term covering many distinct diseases. Each type of cancer has patterns that may differ from other types
of cancer, and the same disease often affects one person differently from another. Because there are so many variables, different types of
treatments are required and no one treatment is right for everyone. That's why our physicians customize a course of treatment to meet each
patient's specific needs and condition.
What will my insurance cover?
Financial counselors are available to discuss on an individual basis what your insurance company will or will not cover. They will verify your
coverage and pre-authorized medical procedures if required by your insurance company. They will also set up financial arrangements for all
non-covered amounts.
The information provided within this website is not intended as medical advice. It should never be substituted for a consultation with a
healthcare professional. Please contact your physician or visit a US Oncology practice with questions or concerns about your health condition.
