Conditions We Treat: Cancer

A cancer diagnosis is something everyone dreads, but with expert treatment and support, your chances of surviving cancer are higher now than ever before. The board-certified oncologists at Hunterdon Hematology Oncology, in Flemington, New Jersey, treat every type of cancer using the most advanced treatment options and targeted therapies. Their convenient community facilities provide comprehensive cancer care services delivered by a dynamic, compassionate, and caring team.

Cancer FAQs

What is cancer?

Cancer is the growth of mutated cells in one or more of your body’s tissues or organs.

Cancer cells don’t have a normal lifespan like healthy cells, which die and get replaced periodically. Cancer cells continue to multiply, damaging healthy tissues and metastasizing (spreading into other areas).

Cancer is second only to heart disease in the number of deaths it causes every year. However, with better screening, more awareness, and cutting-edge developments in treatment for cancer, survival rates are increasing.

What symptoms does cancer cause?

The symptoms of cancer can vary depending on the type of cancer you have and where it is. Some of the more general symptoms include:

• Chronic fatigue
• Unintended weight loss or sometimes gain
• Skin discoloration
• Persistent stomach problems
• Persistent pain of unknown origin
• Unexplained bruising or bleeding

None of these symptoms is exclusive to cancer. Even one of the most well-known signs – a new lump or bump – could be a cyst or other condition. Many forms of cancer don’t result in lumps, and many don’t cause any noticeable symptoms at all until they reach an advanced stage.

If you do have symptoms that could be cancer-related, it’s important to have a checkup as soon as possible. If you don’t have cancer, you can stop worrying and take steps to relieve the cause of your symptoms. If you have cancer, the sooner you start treatment, the better the outcome is likely to be.

What causes cancer?

Cancer develops because of a mutation in the genes of certain cells. The causes of these mutations vary and, in some cases, aren’t completely understood.

There are a few cancers you can inherit from your parents. Your genes can also make you more likely to develop certain kinds of cancer.

Some of the most important risk factors for developing cancer are lifestyle issues, such as:

• Obesity
• Smoking
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Lack of exercise
• Poor diet

To reduce your risk of cancer, Hunterdon Hematology Oncology offers genetic counseling and testing, and a comprehensive range of cancer screening services.

How is cancer treated?

There are three key treatments that help patients with cancer:

Surgery
Removing the tumor or cancerous cells can be a very effective way of treating cancer, especially when performed before cancer metastasizes.

Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-powered beams of energy like X-rays to kill the cancer cells.

Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy involves using powerful drugs to kill cancer cells.

The Hunterdon Hematology Oncology, LLC team also specializes in using new treatments such as:

Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy helps your body’s immune system identify and fight cancer cells. An example of this is PROVENGE® (sipuleucel-T), which may extend the life of men with advanced prostate cancer.

Personalized Targeted Therapy
The team adapts drugs to match the genetic makeup of your tumor.

Hunterdon Hematology Oncology practices integrative oncology, using complementary techniques to improve quality of life and help you manage the journey through cancer. They also offer opportunities for patients to participate in clinical trials for new cancer treatments.

To find out more about cancer, book a screening test, or arrange a consultation, call Hunterdon Hematology Oncology today or schedule an appointment online.