‘What is cancer?’: Our answer to 2017’s most Googled health question

Going in for a full hysterectomy on 3rd April for tumour in right overie

It’s interesting to read when you have had cancer still need more research in it yet

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1980. I had a mastectomy followed by chemo therapy. I sometimes wonder – did I really have cancer ?

We so need a cure for this dreadful disease. My partner is battling with Sarcoma cancer and is about to undergo a second lot of chemotherapy. It is evil and ruins your life . The pain it gives him is unbearable and ruins the quality of life.

I have had metastatic NSCCL since early 2017 and never screened for Ca lung.I have NEVER smoked.chemo courses x2 have failed miserably! XRT has been effective controlling pain for boney metastases.still the disease progresses.It is time more money by the NHS was spent on screening for this killer disease of young and old…see previous BBC article and that more research monies were allocated.

The way my local hospital has treated myself as an elderly 85 year old prostrate cancer patient is terrible I have been just left to get on with it with no support, help advice or follow-up. since diagnosed two and a half years ago. I was placed on watchful waiting. I am doing the waiting but no one seems to be doing the watching?

Why cancer it take people who we love a way

Hi I had throat cancer the same as James Burr. Chemo and 30 sessions of radiotherapy. Finished my treatment 14mths ago. Issues still with no saliva but taste buds so much better now. The peg feed wasn’t great but kept me alive. Just glad to be alive. My partner and I both donate without your research I probably would not be here now. Thank you

i am new research in cancer drug

As a breast cancer survivor and battling metastasis to the lungs now I am really grateful for all the work and research done to find new treatments to make cancer not so dreaded word any more

Nothing makes me feel better about the C word. I don’t have it my mum or dad hasn’t had/doesn’t have it but I am terrified of it. I had an abnormal smear test about 14 years ago and had colposcopy treatment. Since then, I live every day with the fear on getting it. I plague the doctor with appointments because anything I feel isn’t right I think is it. I pray to God every night that I don’t get it. I can’t watch tv programmes which feature it. The fear of it has ruined my life, my marriage, my sons childhood. I’ve been to numerous professionals who sign me off because they can’t help me. I am sitting typing this with tears in my eyes because it scares me that much. I donate but don’t usually read any emails because it makes me feel physically sick.
In saying that WELL DONE to the all the people who are fighters in the world and have won their battle. God Bless you, your family and your friends.

I had lung cancer which resulted in having over half of my left lung removed along with three ribs. I had chemotherapy followed by radical radiotherapy. I am now approaching five years and the long awaited ‘all clear’. Not that long ago, there was little could be done for lung cancer but thanks to cancer research, I’m still here and feeling very lucky and extremely grateful. Thank you so much and keep finding out more about this awful disease.

That has opened my eyes into why I may have got cancer and exactly what it is so thankyou

A clear to understand article. Give us more on specific cancers

Horrible Nasty Cruel disease. When I was told I had a brain tumour after a little chat was sent home to wait for news. No information on this. No number to phone. Nothing at all. That was the worst

THank you explains clearly and to the point.

I had chemotherapy and 30 session of radiotherapy for a cancer tumer in my neck, l was kept in Christies for 3 weeks because of my failing health, and was fed through a tube in my stomach, that was 2 years ago, l still have issues with my mouth and throat, l will never forget what Christies staff did for me, l have supported cancer research for over twenty years and will continue to go so as long as l live, l have raised over £5,500 for cancer, cancer research are doing a fantastic job and with support we will beat cancer together.

My husband had Cancer of the Oesophaus at the age of 79. He was successfully operated and we will be celebrating 2nd Anniversary of his surgery in 3 days time. Thanks to Cancer research who is doing a wonderful job and I am so grateful that the successful surgery of my husband has given him his life back. He is free of cancer now and doing well. I have been a Cancer supporter for 34 years now and will continue to support as long as there is life in me.

I totally agree about the information available these days on the internet, which is mind blowing. Concerned people should see their GP and not read up the information on the internet and worry themselves sick.

Thank you for this
Frank

Although cancer, in any form, is a dreaded disease, the great work done by Cancer Research UK and other institutions gives us all hope, especially where there is cancer in the family, that one day there WILL BE a cure for all types.

I have had cancer 5 times..different parts of my body..but your explanation is easy to understand..keep trying to find a cure for this terrible disease..I am positive you will..thank you.

I am sure that if everyone that works and has a wage, gave just £1 per week, every week (or equivalent) then cures for Cancer’s would be more forthcoming.

As a breast cancer survivor I appreciate the great work Cancer research does although it’s still the most feared word!! The headway that’s happening is really great and hopefully one day there will be a “Cure “ for all cancers

I wish we could have eg enjection to prevent any cancer attacking us.

I am really glad that there are scientists Day and night working hard to find ways to cure cancer
I hope that you won’t be let down by our ailing nhs

I think cancer do an amazing job. My sister had a cancer tumor removed from her lung. Apart from a sniff of oxygen now and again you would never know she had it. She has just completed her 6 month x ray and all remains clear. Thank you for all you do.

I agree that’s it’s vital we understand more and as I am 4 months into my journey with incurable bowel cancer it’s important we all have an honest transparent reference point.
I have children 15 and 13 and some of the sites are horrifying.
I have befriended my cancer, the rouge cells are part of me and I won’t give up either until the brilliant researchers and doctors find a cure or new drugs to try.

What is cancer? It feels like no matter how much we explain, we never seem to cover all it’s nuances. Worst part is, we still don’t truly understand it ourselves. As a cancer researcher myself, I feel like each answer only leads to more questions. Thank you for the article. It’s essential that someone is there to answer simple questions about cancer and all of it’s biology before the poor patient has to resort to Dr Google, and consequently get diagnosed with ‘finger cancer’, because his hand feels a bit funny today, and then ‘brain tumour’ for googling ‘headache’ and ending up on the wrong webiste. :)