Cancer--Living with Cancer

On this page

Summary

Cancer is common. Half of all men and a third of women will get a diagnosis of cancer in their lifetime. Many people with cancer do survive. Millions of Americans alive today have a history of cancer.

For most people with cancer, living with the disease is the biggest challenge they have ever faced. It can change your routines, roles and relationships. It can cause money and work problems. The treatment can change the way you feel and look. Learning more about ways you can help yourself may ease some of your concerns. Support from others is important.

All cancer survivors should have follow-up care. Knowing what to expect after cancer treatment can help you and your family make plans, lifestyle changes, and important decisions.

NIH: National Cancer Institute

Start Here

Adjustment to Cancer: Anxiety and Distress (PDQ) (National Cancer Institute) Also in Spanish
Cancer Diagnosis: 11 Tips for Coping (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) Also in Spanish
Cancer Diagnosis? Advice for Dealing with What Comes Next (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) Also in Spanish
Communication in Cancer Care (PDQ) (National Cancer Institute) Also in Spanish
Coping with Advanced Cancer (National Cancer Institute)
Coping with Cancer (American Cancer Society) Also in Spanish
Emotional, Mental Health, and Mood Changes (American Cancer Society)
Facing Forward: Life after Cancer Treatment (National Cancer Institute) Also in Spanish
Spirituality in Cancer Care (PDQ) (National Cancer Institute) Also in Spanish
Taking Time: Support for People with Cancer (National Cancer Institute) Also in Spanish

Related Issues

Cancer, the Flu, and You (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) Also in Spanish
Coping with Cancer after a Natural Disaster (American Cancer Society) Also in Spanish
Eating Hints: Before, During, and After Cancer Treatment (National Cancer Institute) Also in Spanish
Emotional Support for Young People with Cancer (National Cancer Institute)
Follow-up Medical Care after Cancer Treatment (National Cancer Institute) Also in Spanish
Nutrition in Cancer Care (PDQ)-Patient Version (National Cancer Institute) Also in Spanish
Older Adults and People with Cancer, Diabetes, HIV/AIDS, Organ Transplants, and Autoimmune Diseases (Food and Drug Administration)
Palliative Care in Cancer (National Cancer Institute) Also in Spanish
When Cancer Returns (National Cancer Institute)

Specifics

Cancer Pain Control: Support for People with Cancer (National Cancer Institute) Also in Spanish
Cancer-Related Post-traumatic Stress (PDQ) (National Cancer Institute) Also in Spanish
Cardiopulmonary Syndrome Overview (National Cancer Institute) Also in Spanish
Chemo Brain (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) Also in Spanish
Chemotherapy Effects (American Cancer Society)
Coronavirus: What People with Cancer Should Know (National Cancer Institute) Also in Spanish
Delirium (PDQ) (National Cancer Institute) Also in Spanish
Depression (PDQ) (National Cancer Institute) Also in Spanish
Diarrhea: Cancer-Related Causes and How to Cope (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) Also in Spanish
Fatigue (PDQ)-Patient Version (National Cancer Institute) Also in Spanish
Fertility and Sexual Side Effects in People with Cancer (American Cancer Society) Also in Spanish
Gastrointestinal Complications (PDQ) (National Cancer Institute)
Hot Flashes amd Night Sweats (PDQ) (National Cancer Institute) Also in Spanish
Hot Flashes and Sweating (American Cancer Society) Also in Spanish
Low Blood Cell Counts: Side Effect of Cancer Treatment (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) Also in Spanish
Lymphedema (PDQ)-Patient Version (National Cancer Institute) Also in Spanish
Mouth Sores and Pain (American Cancer Society) Also in Spanish
Nausea and Vomiting Related to Cancer Treatment (PDQ)-Patient Version (National Cancer Institute) Also in Spanish
Pain (PDQ) (National Cancer Institute)
Pruritus (PDQ) (National Cancer Institute) Also in Spanish
Sleep Disorders (PDQ)-Patient Version (National Cancer Institute)

Videos and Tutorials

Understanding Cancer Prognosis (National Cancer Institute)

Statistics and Research

Statistics, Graphs, and Definitions: Cancer Survivors in the United States (National Cancer Institute)

Clinical Trials

ClinicalTrials.gov: Cancer and Quality of Life (National Institutes of Health)

Journal Articles References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)

Find an Expert

American Cancer Society
National Cancer Institute Also in Spanish
Organizations that Offer Cancer Support Services (National Cancer Institute) Also in Spanish

Children

Coping with Cosmetic Effects of Cancer Treatment (Nemours Foundation) Also in Spanish
Endocrine Problems After Childhood Cancer: Precocious Puberty (Children's Oncology Group) - PDF
Late Effects of Treatment for Childhood Cancer (PDQ) (National Cancer Institute) Also in Spanish

Teenagers

Dealing with Cancer (Nemours Foundation)
When Your Brother or Sister Has Cancer: A Guide for Teens (National Cancer Institute)

Men

Fertility Issues in Boys and Men with Cancer (National Cancer Institute) Also in Spanish
Sex and the Man With Cancer (American Cancer Society) Also in Spanish
Sexual Health Issues in Men with Cancer (National Cancer Institute)

Women

Fertility Issues in Girls and Women with Cancer (National Cancer Institute) Also in Spanish

Patient Handouts

Coping with cancer -- finding the support you need (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
Coping with cancer -- hair loss (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
Coping with cancer -- looking and feeling your best (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
Coping with cancer -- managing fatigue (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
Dealing with chronic cancer (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
Returning to work after cancer: know your rights (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
Safe drinking during cancer treatment (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
Safe eating during cancer treatment (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish