Cancer develops when abnormal cells multiply uncontrollably and spread throughout the body. Normal cells follow an orderly process of growth and division, but cancer cells continue to multiply inappropriately and resist normal cell death.
Genetic mutations transform normal cells into cancer cells. These mutations can be inherited or develop naturally with age. Environmental factors like tobacco use can also trigger these mutations.
Cancer cells can break free from the primary tumor and spread to other body parts through blood or lymphatic vessels—a process called metastasis. The cancer cells must escape the original tumor, enter the circulatory system, migrate to new sites, and establish growth in these locations.
Medical professionals use staging systems to measure cancer's extent in a patient's body. The TNM system remains the most widely used approach for solid tumors:
The TNM components may be combined and simplified to arrive at the more familiar format of staging levels, from Stage I to Stage IV.
Other cancers, such as leukemias and many lymphomas, are staged by how advanced they are in the blood, bone marrow, or lymph nodes, rather than by tumor size.
Caregivers who understand these simple concepts can communicate more effectively with healthcare teams. This understanding helps caregivers prepare for their loved one's cancer experience.
Cancer diagnosis and treatment involves several specialized procedures that caregivers need to understand to support their loved ones better.
The original diagnosis process may combine lab tests, imaging, and biopsies to confirm cancer. Blood tests measure substances that might indicate cancer, while imaging tests like CT scans, MRIs, and PET scans create pictures of areas inside the body to locate tumors. A biopsy—removing tissue samples for laboratory examination—remains the only definitive way to diagnose cancer in most cases.
Treatment options generally include:
Caregivers should familiarize themselves with these processes to support their loved ones through diagnosis, treatment decisions, and side effect management effectively. Understanding treatment timelines helps us prepare better for the experience ahead.
Cancer changes everything. Your relationship transforms when you become a caregiver to someone with cancer. Partners, family members, or close friends step into this vital role and become key members of the cancer care team. Your support and encouragement help your loved one deal with their illness better.
Taking care of yourself while caring for others is essential to provide lasting support. Check out Caring Men's Caregiver's Journey to learn more and find support.
