The first line of defense against cancer is having knowledge of family cancers and being able to recognize cancer signs and symptoms as soon as they begin to appear and communicate their presence.  The risk of cancer is influenced by genes inherited from parents and could be influenced by leading unhealthy lifestyles.  Once the presence of  cancer is suspected, it is critical to seek help from a medical professional immediately and, if necessary, contact an Oncologist to obtain a second opinion.  Early cancer detection, diagnosis and treatment while in the organ of origin, could increase survivorship and may lead to a cure.      

If cancer is diagnosed, individuals should prepare themselves for next actions by becoming informed on type-of-cancer-specific treatment options, clinical trials, local cancer related hospitals and Oncologists, local cancer support organizations, genetic testing options and other related resources. 

For information on a specific cancer related subject, select from the following:

• Cancer Signs and Symptoms - American Cancer Society (ACS).  Identifies general and specific signs and symptoms that may indicate the presence of cancer.   

• A to Z list of all Cancers - National Cancer Institute (NCI).*  Includes treatment, causes, genetics, prevention, clinical trials  and NCI research information. 

Note:  For cancer symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, questions to ask the doctor and other information, click on the particular cancer and then click on the "See the Online Booklet What you need to know about . . . ." in the center section.  You can then select your choice of information from the listing in the left-hand column.

For cancer screens not referencing the Online Booklet, click on [patient] in the Treatment Section and then click on Possible signs of _____________ cancer include . . . .  in the Key Points for This Section block.  In cases where the signs of cancer are not listed, please refer to the appropriate cancer organization web site in the adjacent Quick-Reference Contact List.

• Cancer Patient Resources - Patient Resource Publishing.  A one-stop portal for cancer patients to use as a comprehensive resource for locating information on types of cancer treatments/side effects, cancer treatment facilities, organizations that provide financial assistance to cancer patients, reconstructive surgery, nutrition and exercise, and many more cancer topics.  Click on the below to access the website.     

• Financial Help for Cancer Patients and Family Members - Patient Resource Publishing. Names and web addresses of organizations that offer financial assistance to people affected by cancer or that have links to organizations that may provide financial help.

• Understanding Cancer Series Slide Presentation - NCI*.  Contains 61 slides that provide general knowledge on many cancer topics to include; prevention, treatment, clinical trials, genetics, screening. risks, staging, etc.  Click on the below logo to access the presentation.

• Cancer Risk Tool - Siteman Cancer Center.  An interactive tool that estimates your risk of cancer and provides personalized tips for prevention.  Click on the below logo to gain access to the tool.

• Dictionary of Cancer Terms - NCI*.  Contains more than 4,000 terms related to cancer and medicine.

• Cancer Literature - PubMed Database provided by the National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health.   Search and retrieve information on more than 100 cancer related topics.

• National Cancer Related Organizations - NCI*.  A list of national organizations that provide help to individuals and families.  The information includes web and eMail addresses, chat line access information and telephone numbers for cancer information and hotline access. 

• How to Find Local Cancer Related Resources - NCI*.  Information on how to locate local cancer organizations and type of services that may be available to help you in your fight against cancer. 

• How to Locate a Cancer Related Doctor or Treatment Facility - NCI*.  Information on how to find a doctor, obtain a second opinion or select a treatment facility.  

• How to Communicate With Your Physician - Tips for effective communications between you and your physician.  In healthcare, good communications provides the best outcomes with the least mistakes.   

• How to Prevent Cancer - NCI*.  Fifty percent of all cancers can be prevented.  Find out how to prevent cancer, reduce cancer risks and lead a healthy lifestyle.

• Cancer Genetics Information - NCI*. Find general information on genetics to include relationships between specific cancers and genes, genetic testing and how to locate a genetic professional.

If you want to talk to a person to obtain cancer information, you can have an on-line  conversation with a Cancer Information Specialist at the National Cancer Institute's* LiveHelp service.  LiveHelp service is available Monday thru Friday from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM Eastern Time.    

You can also speak with a Cancer Information Specialist at the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Information Service, at 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237), to answer cancer or tobacco-related questions Monday through Friday, from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM Eastern Time.

* The National Cancer Institute's Web site (http://www.cancer.gov) provides accurate, up-to-date information about many types of cancer, information about clinical trials, resources for people dealing with cancer, and information for researchers and health professionals.