Common Questions
Many people have misconceptions about cancer, its causes, and its treatment. Below are some commonly asked questions.
About Cancer
What is cancer?
Cancer is a general term for a large group of diseases (more than 100), all characterized by uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. Cancer cells form tumors that invade and destroy surrounding tissue; they may spread through the lymph system or bloodstream to distant areas of the body. Many cancers can be cured, especially if detected early and treated promptly.
What causes cancer?
Today, scientists understand that cancers may be related to heredity, gene mutation, lifestyle, and/or environmental factors. What you eat and drink, if you smoke, and where you work, live and play all can affect your risk of developing cancer. The good news is that you can help reduce your own cancer risk by making dietary and lifestyle changes.
Can cancer be inherited?
Yes. A gene mutation carried in the reproductive cells is passed from one generation to the next, and is then present in cells throughout the body. Only five to ten percent of all cancers are hereditary.
Is cancer contagious?
There is no way you can "catch" cancer from someone or give it to others.
Is cancer always painful?
No. This is a widely held misconception. Some cancers cause no physical pain at all.
Does cancer mean certain death?
No. In fact, half of all people newly diagnosed with cancer will be cured by currently available treatments. More than eight million people alive today have a history of cancer and are leading healthy, productive lives.
About Chemotherapy
What is chemotherapy?
The use of drugs to treat cancer is known as chemotherapy. There are many chemotherapy drugs that work by killing or stopping cancer cells from growing. Chemotherapy can be the only treatment a patient receives or can be combined with radiation or surgery.
Will chemotherapy make me sick?
Each chemotherapy drug has different side effects. Overall, most side effects from chemotherapy can be effectively managed with medications.
Can I still work during chemotherapy treatments?
Yes. Because you are undergoing chemotherapy does not automatically mean you must stop working. However, the decision to continue to work is an individual one based on the type of cancer and chemotherapy you are receiving. You may in fact choose to stop working during treatment.
About Radiation
What is radiation therapy?
Radiation therapy uses x-rays, electrons, and other types of radiation to treat cancer. It is painless, and with the exception of some kinds of “implanted” radiotherapy devices, does not cause people to become “radioactive.” The side effects associated with radiation depend on the area of the body being treated. Most side effects are not serious, can be easily managed, and slowly disappear a few weeks after the treatment ends.
About Treatment
Will I see the same medical team each time I come to Pluta?
Yes. Pluta believes strongly that cancer care is enhanced when a patient sees the same physician and/or physician’s assistant before, during, and after his or her course of treatment. This continuity of care approach is the exception rather than the rule in most cancer centers but it is one that we believe is in each patient’s best interest.
Do I need a physician referral to be treated at Pluta?
Not necessarily. In most cases, you can make your own decision regarding where you choose to receive your care. For others, we will work with you, your physician, and your insurance provider to make the necessary arrangements.
Is treatment worse than the disease?
Untreated cancer is far more dangerous than a cancer that is being treated. If a tumor is left untreated, it can interfere with bodily functions and will be difficult to manage or control. Treatment can be curative, meaning aggressive enough to eliminate the cancer forever, or palliative, meaning it controls the symptoms of the illness and/or prolongs life. You, your family, and your doctors should make decisions together concerning treatment.
Does Pluta work with area healthcare systems?
Yes, Pluta works with all area healthcare systems.
Do you provide second opinion services?
Yes and we encourage patients to take this extra step in order to make informed decisions regarding their care. Typically all that we require is your medial history, including the test results that formed the basis of your diagnosis.
How long would I have to wait to begin treatment at Pluta?
Your treatment can begin in as little time as a few days.
Do you provide the same cancer care services that hospitals do?
In general, yes. Pluta provides for both radiation and chemotherapy on site using state-of-the-art equipment including dual energy linear accelerator capable of Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) using cone beam CT, 3-D treatment planning, and high dose brachytherapy enabling such procedures as MammoSite for breast cancer treatment. Patients requiring stereotactic radiosurgery and bone marrow transplants are referred elsewhere. Pluta also provides no-fee complementary services that other centers do not, including massage therapy and nutrition consultation.
About Support Services
Do you provide social service consultation for your patients?
Yes. We recognize that this is a difficult time for our patients and their families and the assistance of a professional social worker is helpful in providing supportive counseling through this process. This includes helping to address the financial, employment, and family issues that could arise during treatment.