• Question: What do you have to do if you find a cancer lump? what do you do to cure it?

    Asked by jessboo to Laura on 8 Mar 2016.
    • Photo: Laura Haworth

      Laura Haworth answered on 8 Mar 2016:

      If you find a lump it is important to go and see a doctor straight away. Even if it is not cancerous it is always best to get it checked out. The doctor will arrange different tests i.e blood tests, imaging- perhaps ultrasound or a CT scan, or a camera put inside you to have a look. Depending on what type of cancer it is will determine the treatment that is needed. This may be a combination of methods including: surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy (what Jen is involved in) or medication. Sadly not all cancers are curable.

Comments

  • Photo: Greg

    Greg commented on :

    Laura has it right. There are a few ways we can treat cancer (chemo and radiotherapy and surgery) but they are all quite serious treatments themselves, and not all people can tolerate the treatment. That’s why if you find a lump that you’re worried might be cancer, it’s important to get it checked out as fast as possible, so any cancer that exists can be removed before it grows or spreads.

  • Photo: Jen

    Jen commented on :

    If you find a lump, go see a GP as soon as you can – they are so used to people showing them lumps and bumps. Many are normal, but if the GP is concerned they will recommend tests to check it out. A Dr. would much rather be bothered by a normal lump than someone who comes in seriously ill and says they noticed something a year or two ago. The most common treatment options for cancer are surgery (operation to cut it out), radiotherapy (zap it with radiation) or chemotherapy (strong drugs).