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Cancer treatment can include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and biological therapy. Some patients may worry that
side effects of treatment are worse than
disease. However, patients and doctors discuss
treatment options, weighing
benefits of killing cancer cells against
risks of possible side effects. Doctors can also suggest methods to reduce or eliminate problems that may occur during and after some treatments.
Having cancer does not always mean having pain. Whether a patient suffers from pain depends on
type of cancer,
extent of
disease, and
patient's tolerance for pain. Most pain occurs when
cancer grows and presses against bones, organs, or nerves.
People facing cancer are naturally concerned about what
future holds. Understanding cancer and what to expect can help patients and their loved ones plan treatment, think about lifestyle changes, and make decisions about their quality of life and their finances. The best way prevent cancer or to conquer it once it has been diagnosed, is to arm yourself with as much information as possible. As has been said many times, "Knowledge is Power."
And ask questions of your health care providers! When you are facing this major health menace, there are no "dumb" questions. Get a second opinion about your diagnosis and proposed treatments. In
battle against cancer, there is no "one-size-fits-all" solution for all patients. Whether you choose surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, biological therapy or a combination of methods, you and your loved ones should be actively involved in
decision-making process.

Larry Denton is a retired history teacher having taught 33 years at Hobson High in Hobson, Montana. He is currently Vice President of Elfin Enterprises, Inc., an Internet business dedicated to providing useful information and valuable resources on a variety of timely topics. For a clinic full of information, resources and advice about cancer, visit http://www.CancerDesk.com