Cancer Patients: Diagnosis and Treatment

Español (Spanish)
Related Pages

If your doctor recently told you that you have cancer, you probably have a lot of questions. You want to learn more about the kind of cancer you have and how it’s treated. The big challenge ahead is, “How do I live with cancer, as long and as best I can?” We’ll offer you basic information about these topics and links to reliable sources for more details.

When you have been diagnosed with cancer, you are considered a cancer survivor from that moment throughout the rest of your life.

Surviving cancer has physical, mental, emotional, social, and financial aspects that start with diagnosis and continue through treatment and beyond. It also includes issues related to your ability to go to the doctor and follow-up treatment, side effects of treatment, the risk of getting cancer again, and your quality of life. Family members, friends, and caregivers are a critical part of your experience with cancer.

Photo of a breast cancer patient receiving chemotherapy
Cancer Treatments
What type of cancer treatment is right for you? Get basic information about some of the most common types of treatment, including chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy.
Photo of a woman with cancer sitting by her window holding her granddaughter
Side Effects of Cancer Treatments
Cancer treatments can cause many side effects. Learn about some of the most common, like hair loss, neutropenia, lymphedema, and cancer pain.
Photo of a doctor explaining treatment to a patient
Clinical Trials
Have you been invited to join a clinical trial? Watch a short video that explains what a clinical trial is and how to find one.
Photo of a group of men and women participating in a tai chi class
Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Many cancer patients find that yoga, acupuncture, vitamins and herbs, and other types of health practices help them. Watch a short video about complementary and alternative medicine. Let your health care team know if you are using any of these medicines.
Photo of a group of men and women participating in a tai chi class
Staying Healthy During Cancer Treatment
If you are treated with chemotherapy, you’re more likely to get an infection. Get tips on how to avoid infections, and other ways to stay physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy.
Photo of a woman holding a bill and talking on the telephone
Paying for Cancer Treatment
Cancer treatment can be very expensive, even if you have health insurance. We offer some helpful tips and links to resources that may be able to help you.
Page last reviewed: April 19, 2018
Content source: Division of Cancer Prevention and Control,, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention