The conventional, primary methods of treating cancer are surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and immunotherapy/biological therapy. Your doctor will determine which treatment or treatments are best for you.

Cancer is increasingly viewed as a long-term chronic illness, rather than an acute one.

Oncologists may be known as medical oncologists or radiation oncologists. Your oncologist will work with you to create a treatment plan. He or she usually acts as the coordinator of your cancer care.

The first step in preparing for your cancer treatment is to find an oncologist and treatment center. Ask your general or primary care physician for a referral or contact government and professional medical organizations, such as your state's health department, the National Cancer Institute, or the American Medical Association, for information on cancer specialists and treatment centers in your area.

Chemotherapy and radiation treatments save lives. They also can bring a variety of temporary but unpleasant side effects.

Many people don't realize that they could be at risk for getting another cancer after having been successfully treated for the first one. This risk is low, however.

Use this chart daily to record the symptoms that you are experiencing. Rate the symptoms according to severity, using a scale of 1 to 4.

Dry mouth is a common complaint during some types of cancer treatments.

Older adults are less likely to be screened for cancer in the first place. And if they are diagnosed with cancer, it's less likely that their doctors will recommend treatment to cure the cancer.