General Cancer Information

Symptoms

Cancer can cause a variety of symptoms. These are some possible symptoms:

• Thickening or lump in the breast or any other part of the body
• Obvious change in a wart or mole
• A sore that does not heal
• Nagging cough or hoarseness
• Changes in bowel or bladder habits
• Indigestion or difficulty swallowing
• Unexplained changes in weight
• Unusual bleeding or discharge

When these or other symptoms occur, they are not always caused by cancer. They may also be caused by infections, benign tumors or other problems. It is important to see the doctor about any of these symptoms or about other physical changes. Only a doctor can make a diagnosis. One should not wait to feel pain. Early cancer usually does not cause pain.

Symptom Management

Many of our patients have told us, “The cure should not be worse than the disease.” Therefore, Symptom Management is an important part of your cancer treatment.

Be very honest with your doctors and nurses about how your treatments are affecting you and your quality of life. You are an active partner in your treatment and need to help your care team to decide what will work best for you.

Integrative Therapies

Integrative Therapies are nontraditional therapies that use the mind-body-spirit connection to assist in healing and symptom management. These therapies have been used successfully by cancer patients, along with traditional medical treatments, for managing symptoms of the disease as well as the treatment. Some patients have found relief from nausea, pain, anxiety, and an improvement in their quality of life while using these therapies along with standard medical treatment. These treatments should not be used in place of treatment recommended by your doctor.

• Massage - soft tissue manipulation that improves nutrition and circulation to the tissues while promoting a sense of well-being. Massage is used for cancer patients to help control nausea, anxiety, pain and improve quality of life.
• Guided Imagery - directed visualization that harnesses the power of the mind to help heal and alleviate symptoms such as pain, nausea, sleeplessness and anxiety.
• Healing Touch & Reiki - very gentle work that balances and restores the energy field of the body while promoting a deep sense of relaxation. These therapies help control pain, nausea, vomiting and anxiety.
• Reflexology - pressure applied to reflex areas on the foot, hand or ear to help support the organs of the body. It can improve circulation, induce deep relaxation, decrease nausea, and revitalize energy.
• Meditation - helps to focus, concentrate, calm and uplift the mind. It reduces personal stress by providing contact with deeper levels of awareness leading to a more calm and peaceful inner self.
• Yoga - consists of gentle exercises, breathing techniques and postures that promote relaxation and healing.
• Biofeedback - is a technique of consciously controlling bodily functions that are thought to be involuntary such as pain, blood pressure, etc.