1. What is cancer?
Our bodies are made of tiny building blocks called cells. Each cell carries genes — instructions that tell it when to grow, divide and repair. Sometimes a gene changes (a variant or mutation). If cells with these changes keep multiplying out of control, cancer can develop. Cancer is not one disease: there are more than 200 different types.
Benign tumour
Not cancer. It doesn’t spread, but can cause problems if it presses on nearby organs.
Malignant tumour
Cancer. It can grow into nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body.
Primary & secondary
Where cancer starts is the primary. If it spreads through the blood or lymph system, the new area is a secondary (metastasis).
Some cancers, like leukaemia, start in the bone marrow and don’t form a lump — they make abnormal blood cells instead. Leukaemia, brain tumours and lymphoma are among the most common cancers in children; in teenagers and young adults, lymphomas, bone cancers, germ cell tumours and melanoma are more common.
2. How cancer is diagnosed
Doctors usually use several tests together. Waiting for results is often the hardest part — it’s okay to ask how long each will take and who will explain them.
- Blood tests
Check blood cell counts and how organs are working. - Scans
X-ray, ultrasound, CT, MRI or PET scans show the size and position of a tumour. - Biopsy
A small sample of tissue is checked under a microscope. This is how cancer is confirmed. - Bone marrow test
A sample from the hip bone, often used to diagnose leukaemia. - Lumbar puncture
A sample of fluid from around the spine, to see if cancer has reached it. - Genetic tests on the cancer
Look for gene changes that can help choose the best treatment.
3. Stage and grade
Stage describes how big the cancer is and whether it has spread. Grade describes how different the cancer cells look from normal cells, which hints at how quickly they may grow. Together, they help your team plan treatment. Different cancers use different staging systems, so ask your doctor to explain yours in simple words.
4. Treatments you can ask your doctor about
Most people have more than one treatment. Your team will recommend a plan based on the type of cancer, its stage, age and general health. You can always ask: “What is the aim of this treatment, and what are the other options?”
Surgery
A surgeon removes all or part of the tumour. Often combined with other treatments.
Ask: Can all of it be removed? What will recovery be like?
Chemotherapy
Anti-cancer drugs, usually given into a vein or as tablets, in cycles with rest periods. It’s a main treatment for leukaemia and lymphoma, and can shrink a tumour before surgery or lower the chance of it coming back after.
Ask: How many cycles? What should we watch for at home?
Radiotherapy
High-energy rays aimed carefully at the cancer to destroy cancer cells. Usually given in short daily sessions over several weeks.
Ask: How many sessions, and where? Are there long-term effects?
Targeted therapy
Drugs that find and attack specific features of cancer cells, such as a particular gene change.
Ask: Has the cancer been tested for gene changes?
Immunotherapy
Helps the body’s own immune system recognise and attack cancer — including antibody treatments, checkpoint inhibitors and CAR-T cell therapy.
Ask: Is immunotherapy suitable or available for this cancer?
Hormonal therapy
For cancers that use hormones to grow, such as some breast and prostate cancers. It lowers or blocks those hormones.
Ask: Is this cancer hormone-sensitive?
Stem cell / bone marrow transplant
Used for some blood cancers such as leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma, to replace damaged bone marrow with healthy stem cells.
Ask: Would a transplant help? Is a donor needed?
Clinical trials
Research studies testing new or improved treatments. Some patients are offered a place as part of their care.
Ask: Is there a trial that could be right for us?
Supportive and comfort care
Care that eases pain and side effects and improves comfort and quality of life, at any stage — not only at the end of life. In Goa we work with Novisurvat and Pallium India.
Ask: Can we meet the comfort care team now?
A note on alternative therapies: none has been shown to cure cancer or slow its growth. Some complementary therapies (like gentle massage or relaxation) can help people feel better alongside medical treatment — always tell your doctor what you are taking.
5. Side effects
Treatment can cause tiredness, feeling sick, hair loss, mouth sores and a higher risk of infection. Most side effects go away after treatment ends, and many can be eased with medicine, food and rest. A few can last longer or appear later, so follow-up visits matter.
Get help urgently if someone on chemotherapy has a fever, shivering, or suddenly feels very unwell — infection can be serious. Ask your team now for the number to call day or night, and write it down. In an emergency, go to the nearest hospital or call 108.
6. Questions to ask your doctor
Write your questions down before appointments. It’s okay to ask a doctor to repeat or explain again — and to bring someone with you.
About the diagnosis
- Where did the cancer start? What stage and grade is it?
- Can we get a second opinion?
- Who can we call later with questions?
About treatment
- What do you recommend, and what is the aim?
- What are the benefits, risks and alternatives?
- How long will it last? How will we know it’s working?
- Is a clinical trial an option?
Side effects & daily life
- Which side effects are likely? Could any be permanent?
- Who do we contact day, night or in an emergency?
- Can school, college or work continue?
- What will it cost, and what help is available?
7. For teenagers and young adults (ages 13 to 40)
Cancer at a young age brings its own worries — the type of cancer, treatment, who is involved in your care, and life after treatment can all be different. Sabrcare supports young adults up to 40, and you can talk to us directly, not only through your parents.
Some treatments affect fertility. Ask about options to preserve it before treatment starts.
We can help you talk to your college or employer about time off and adjustments.
Hair loss, weight change and scars are hard. You’re not alone in feeling this.
Counselling and peer support with others your age.
8. Help with costs in Goa
No family should be denied care because of money. We help families find every source of support — from government health schemes like Ayushman Bharat and Deen Dayal Swasthya Seva Yojana (DDSSY), to medication assistance and direct financial aid.
Talk to us about costs9. Living with cancer
For many families, cancer care continues after the first treatment. We help children, young people and their carers manage daily life, symptoms and pain, with a focus on comfort, dignity and quality of life.
Daily life
Practical advice and support for routines, challenges and feelings, so your family can keep a sense of normal life and a supportive home. Everyday life →
Managing symptoms
Understand and manage common symptoms and treatment side effects, so your child is as comfortable as possible. Managing side effects →
Support services
Nutrition, counselling, travel and financial support for your child and family. Your wellbeing →
We work with Novisurvat Goa for comfort care for children and Pallium India for comfort care for adults, so every family has complete support.
Sources
This guide is adapted with care from information by our partners. For more detail, visit:
- Macmillan Cancer Support — What is cancer?
- Macmillan Cancer Support — Types of treatment
- Macmillan Cancer Support — Questions to ask your healthcare team
- Maggie’s — Our support
- CanKids KidsCan — Childhood cancer in India
This information supports, and never replaces, advice from your own medical team.