Learn more about cancer stages.
It is estimated that more than 1.5 million people developed a form of cancer in 2010. The disease strikes those of all ages and ethnicities as abnormal cells grow and spread throughout the body. If you or someone close to you has been diagnosed with a form of cancer, educate yourself about the stages related to that particular type of cancer. Doctors categorize cancer situations in stages that approximate the size, location and spread of the original tumor. The stages help doctors determine the appropriate treatment, while researchers use stages to categorize cancer statistics.
Instructions
1. Consult with your cancer doctor, or oncologist. The doctor who diagnosed the cancer and the stage the patient is in will have all the relevant statistical data. This will include survival rate by condition, age ethnicity and sex. Also discuss with your oncologist the results of treatments and trials that might be relevant.
2. Get a second opinion from another hospital or oncologist. While your original doctor should divulge all relevant statistics regarding your cancer staging, you are entitled to get a second or even third opinion. Call the cancer center at another hospital to set up an appointment and explain your situation. The oncologist will want to review your medical file. Staging helps doctors predict how the cancer will likely develop, which is vital in determining the most effective treatment.
3. Go to the American Cancer Association website. (See Resources.) Search for the particular type of cancer. Go to the "Overview Guide" section then click on "Early Detection, Diagnosis and Staging." Look under "Survival rates" and you will see statistics for each stage of that particular type of cancer. You can also visit the National Cancer Institute, the federal government's main agency on cancer research. (See Resources.) The institute has detailed breakdowns of cancers by type and stage.
4. Call the National Cancer Information Service at 800-422-6237. The staff can answer your questions about staging and send you information. This is applicable especially if you do not have cancer and are trying to educate yourself as much as you can on the subject.
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