FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What is the difference between “Cure” and “Remission”?

A cure means that all evidence of cancer has been eliminated and there is no chance of the cancer coming back. In order to define what a cure is, you must know what the chances are that the cancer will return.

Remission means that the cancer has become smaller, all signs and symptoms of the disease are gone and the patient is in good health. For example, the treatment is so successful that there is no detectable evidence of cancer. We call that complete remission. However, a complete remission is not the same as cure, because there may be microscopic clumps of tumour cells that have survived the treatment (and may be resistant to it). These are too small to be detected by conventional means of imaging. If the cancer shrinks to less than half its original size, it is called a partial remission. Some people who have a complete remission will not get a recurrence and once the relevant time has passed (depending on the type of cancer), they may well be considered cured.

2. My doctor told me that I need rehabilitation after my treatment for cancer. What does that mean?

Rehabilitation simply means that you may need to participate in a program or programs to help you restore self-dependence and a full productive life after cancer. Some of these programs may involve the use of prostheses, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, counseling and emotional support and employment retraining. Your doctor will refer you to the appropriate specialists depending on your needs.

3. Now that I have completed my cancer treatment, I want to try an alternative method to clear my body of the toxic effects of chemotherapy. Should I try an alternative therapy?

Before making your decision, you need to know and understand as much as possible about your illness and the treatment. This will help you feel in control and make choices that are best for you. Look carefully at the alternative treatment that you read or hear about. Ask questions such as:

• What is the basis of the therapy and have the claims been tested?
• Where have the claims been reported or does it rely on personal testimonials as evidence that the methods work?
• How many people similar to your illness have used that particular therapy?
• What are the qualifications of the person prescribing the treatment?
• What are the successes and were the results published?
• What are the possible side effects?
• Can these side effects be prevented of controlled?

If you find these questions are not answered satisfactorily, then you should be suspicious that the remedy has no proven value. It is always wise to discuss this with your own treating doctor before starting on any other therapies.