Hearing “you have cancer” is a life-changing moment that can bring a swirl of uncertainty and fear. But cancer is not just a single disease, it’s a broad term for many illnesses that all begin when cells in the body start growing out of control. In the United States, millions live with cancer as a chronic condition, especially with common types like breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, and certain types of chronic leukemia or metastatic cancers that can be managed over many years. It’s a bit like having an unwelcome guest who decides to stay, and you, your doctors, and specialty pharmacy work together to keep them under control.
Cancer symptoms
Cancer symptoms vary with the type and stage and are often subtle at first. Breast cancer may show up as a lump or a change in breast shape; prostate cancer can cause trouble urinating. Lung cancer may start with a stubborn cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain, while colorectal cancer might cause changes in bowel habits or blood in the stool. Chronic leukemias (cancer of the blood and bone marrow) may cause fatigue, infections, or bruising. Often, the early chapters are silent, discovered during routine screening tests or checkups. Living day to day, cancer may cause tiredness, weight changes, pain, or emotional ups and downs. The impact isn’t just physical; there’s a psychological journey, too, of resilience, anxiety, and hope.
Treatment for cancer
Treatment for cancer has become highly personalized. It may involve surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy, or often a mix of them. Oral medications, especially specialty drugs, play a bigger role now, making care more convenient but also more complex. Your oncology team designs a plan uniquely for you.
Some of the most widely used oral medications include:
- Ibrance (generic: palbociclib) – used for breast cancer, a targeted treatment that slows cancer cell growth
- Zytiga (abiraterone) – used for prostate cancer; these drugs block hormones that fuel cancer growth
- Tarceva (erlotinib) – used for certain lung cancers
- Gleevec (imatinib) – used for chronic myeloid leukemia, has been proven to turning this cancer into a manageable long-term illness for many
- Xeloda (capecitabine) for colorectal cancer is an oral form of chemotherapy
Managing side effects is just as important as treating the cancer itself. Your provider might prescribe Zofran (ondansetron) to ease nausea or Neulasta (pegfilgrastim) to boost white blood cell counts and prevent infection. Pain relievers, appetite boosters, or other supportive medicines may be part of your routine.
Daily life with cancer
Daily life with cancer means listening to your body’s needs: eating nourishing meals with plenty of protein, getting gentle movement (like walking or stretching if able), and prioritizing rest. Managing stress, seeking emotional support, and staying connected to loved ones can help you cope. Think of your journey as a marathon, not a sprint: pace yourself, accept help, and focus on progress, not perfection.
New cancer treatments
New treatments have made living with cancer more hopeful than ever, and managing the disease is often possible for years. At RxVitaPharm, we walk alongside you. Our specialty pharmacy team helps ensure you get the medicines you need, supports you with information, connects you to benefits and financial help, and delivers everything discreetly to your door. You are not alone; let us help lighten the load so you can focus on strength, healing, and hope.