Cancer is a collection of diseases where abnormal cells divide faster than normal cells, then form tumors and destroy body tissue. The most common types of cancer are breast cancer, prostate cancer, and lung cancer. Potential treatments are chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. Exercising, maintaining a healthy weight, and not smoking may help prevent some cancers. For financial assistance with managing your condition, see our page on Free & Discounted Services.
See also: Breast Cancer Cancer Caregiving Cancer Survivorship Colorectal Cancer Lung Cancer Prostate Cancer
For information on cancer screening, see our Cancer Screening page.
- Cancer (MedlinePlus)
- The Cancer Information Service (National Cancer Institute)
- Nutrition in Cancer Care (National Cancer Institute)
- Radiation Therapy (Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center-James Cancer Hospital & Solove Research Institute)
- What is Cancer? (American Cancer Society)
- What is Cancer? (National Cancer Institute)
Mobile apps and tools give you easy-to-use information and resources that can help you get and stay healthy. For tips on choosing apps, see How to Choose a Good Health App by The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.
This tool calculates your risk for cancer and suggests lifestyle changes and screening exams. Free.
The Cancer Guide lets you track symptoms, appointments, and treatments, and it provides information about cancer treatment and survivorship. Free. iOS.
The National Cancer Institute’s mobile site includes information about cancer types and topics, a dictionary of cancer terms, and contact information for the NCI. Free.
Pocket Cancer Care Guide lets you browse questions to ask your doctor based on your diagnosis, build a list of questions, and record and play back your doctor’s answers. Free. iOS.
Resources selected by Jennifer Walker, Health Sciences Library, UNC-Chapel Hill.
Last reviewed June 18, 2021