More than one in three people will be diagnosed with cancer at some stage in their lives.  This is a staggering statistic and it means that, even if we are fortunate never to be diagnosed ourselves, the likelihood is that someone close to us will be.  So, we’ve put this information together to help you understand things a bit better.  It won’t answer all your questions but it will point you in the right direction.

What is Cancer?
Cancer is not one disease but many.  All cancers have similar features but each will have a distinctive character.  There are over 200 different kinds of cancer, but all cancers start in the same way.  The control signals in a normal cell in the body go wrong, resulting in an abnormal cell.  The cells keep on dividing which can then form a lump.  This cluster of abnormal cells is called a tumour.

Some tumours are benign – this means they are harmless and may not even need treatment. Other tumours can be malignant – this means that may be dangerous because they may invade other parts of the body and stop them working properly.

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What causes cancer
This is different from person to person.  Even the speed at which cells grow can vary too.  But a large number of people with cancer overcome the disease and live full lives for many years.

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Going for Tests
If someone is concerned that they may have cancer the first thing that will happen is that they will need to go for a test. Waiting to have tests or to receive the results can be a very stressful time, but there are people or organisations that can help and support them even before it’s confirmed that they have cancer.  The contact details are at the bottom of this page.

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Being Diagnosed
It can of course be very frightening or upsetting to be diagnosed with cancer.  It may be difficult to take everything in.  Things may not seem real.  But remember that doctors and nurses and other people are happy to answer all our questions.  Some people find it useful to write their questions and feelings down.

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Treatment
Treatment usually begins straight after someone has been diagnosed.  The doctors and nurses will talk all the options through with them.  Some people may be referred to a specialist cancer centre.  If people are working or in school then they may need time off for treatment and recovery.

There are different kinds of treatments (Surgery, Radiotherapy, Chemotherapy, Other Treatments) and not all treatments mean they have to stay in hospital. They may receive treatment as out-patients.

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What happens after Treatment?
It may take some time for them to get over the treatment properly.  They will need to look after themselves by eating properly and getting plenty of rest.  They may feel low, worried, or sad but it is natural to feel like this.  It may help them to talk to some of the nurses or doctors or other people who are around to help.

There will be ongoing monitoring and support by the doctors, nurses and health care workers, and some people may need to have further treatment if the cancer returns.

If someone is really ill and in a lot of pain they may receive something called palliative care, which concentrates on their quality of life, helping to control their pain or other symptoms.  Sometimes, someone’s cancer cannot be cured.  Some people may go to a hospice where they can be cared for in a caring and supporting environment.

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The Future
There is always a future after a diagnosis of cancer, although the timescale will vary from person to person.  Even after treatment there is always a chance that the cancer will return and they will need more treatment.  However, many people become entirely free of the disease and live full and happy lives for years to come.  As time goes by the initial shock and the effects of the treatment passes, and they can get on with their lives without thinking about cancer all the time.

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What can we do if someone we know is diagnosed with cancer?

Listen and Understand: Being there for someone who has cancer is very important: listening to what they have to say, accepting how they feel. There will be many emotions including anger, fear, confusion, bitterness, loneliness, shock and depression. It’s not what you say but how you listen that is important.

Offer help: It all depends, of course, on how close you are to the person who has been diagnosed with cancer. If you are not a member of the immediate family then find out if your help is needed.

Think about what the person needs most: Ask yourself what they can do each day and what they cannot and offer to be of some practical use.

Decide which jobs you can do for them: For example, you may be in school or college in the day, but can you call in afterwards or maybe on the way to do whatever needs to be done?

Start with small, practical things: Remember it is the small, thoughtful things you can do that often mean the most. Recognise what you can and can’t do. Don’t promise to do big things if you can’t deliver.

Offer to visit: Spending regular time with your friend or a member of your family, and being reliable about your visits, could be the most valuable way you can give practical help.

Be informed: Learn about the medical situation, so that you understand a little bit more about what your friend or family member is going through.

Look after yourself: The last thing a person with cancer needs is for those close to them to become ill. Be fair to yourself, and know your own limitations. There are many organisations and people who provide help for close family and friends. You may want to talk to them about how you feel or ask them for advice.

Pray for them – remember to keep your friend or family member in your prayers. God cares about them and values them, and we can bring his love and compassion to them by caring for them, and supporting them through what may be one of the most difficult times in their lives.

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Some Useful Organisations:

Macmillan Cancer Relief
www.macmillan.org.uk

Tenovus Cancer Information centre
www.tenovus.org.uk

CLIC Sargent
www.clicsargent.org.uk

Christian Lewis Trust: Cancer Care for Children
www.childrens-cancer-care.org.uk

The Teenage Cancer Trust
www.teencancer.org

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