» Families Facing Cancer – Helping carers to cope with cancer

Hysterectomy

Anne Orchard — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 14:12:33 +0000

A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of a woman’s uterus (womb). When a hysterectomy is carried out as a result of a cancer diagnosis there are different types of operation, depending on where the cancer is situated and how far it has progressed. If the ovaries are removed during the cancer hysterectomy then the woman will have a medical menopause, as their body will no longer be producing female hormones (oestrogen and progesterone).

Further Resources

The Hysterectomy Acsociation. Provides detailed information on hysterectomy including preparation and recovery. Active forums where you can ‘meet’ others undergoing similar treatment.

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Hormones

Anne Orchard — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 08:23:41 +0000

Hormones are substances that are produced by cells in the body and act as messengers to other cells. Certain cancers, for instance breast or prostate cancer, may be sensitive to hormones. In this case treatment may include drugs which suppress those hormones within the body.

Hospice care

Anne Orchard — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 07:48:27 +0000

Hospice care is a system of care that is not related to curative treatment. Known as palliative care, it involves management of symptoms rather than curing of disease. It could happen at the end of someone’s life, but those receiving hospice care may also recover from curative treatment given elsewhere. Hospice care may be given as an in-patient, out-patient or at home.