I'm 15 now,but I had cancer when I was 11.I had two surgerys in my neck and I'm affraid I'm going to get it again,but I just want to know if there's a chance that you can get it a second time?
2006-08-21 05:44:50 · 28 answers · asked by Abercrombiebabe90 1 in News & Events ➔ Other - News & Events
Yes. Not only can you get the same kind of cancer again, but you can still get any other kind of cancer out there. The problem with cancer is that it isn't something your immune system can fight against very easily and doesn't create an immunity to (although some are now being treated and prevented, successfully, using innoculations).
2006-08-21 05:53:53 · answer #1 · answered by John J 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You really, really need to talk to your health care provider about this. Don't be shy about making an appointment "just" to talk, & don't hesitate to ask ANY questions you have- your doctors are there to help YOU, and that includes helping you understand as much as possible about your condition. So ask your questions, and keep asking until you get answers you understand & are satisfied with! It helps to write a list of questions to take with you to the doctor. It's easy to forget what you wanted to ask in the stressful situation of a medical appointment.
You cannot stay healthy if you don't have an understanding of your condition... and it sounds like you lack even the most basic information. Recurrence is a major concern for all cancer patients, and ONLY a doc who is familiar with your type of cancer and personal situation can give you a meaningful idea of how likely a recurrence is for you. ["recurrence" : happening again. Recur= Re (again) + ocCur (happen)]
I have to wonder why the details of your condition were not better explained to you. I am guessing maybe your parents/guardians were trying to protect you, or felt you were too young to understand. Whatever the reasons, you are certainly old enough now to take an active role in your own health care. "Knowledge Is Power"- so get out there and empower yourself! Blessed Be & good luck, sweetie!
2006-08-21 06:39:18 · answer #2 · answered by YamiNoSensei 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately, there is a chance you could get thyroid cancer again, unless of course they removed your thyroid. While it is unlikely considering you've been cancer-free for several years (although after ten years you are definitely clear), there may still be malignant cells.
The chances are small that you would get cancer again, but it could happen.
I am your age, and I can't imagine having had cancer 3 1/2 years ago. God bless and take life as it comes!!
2006-08-21 05:53:14 · answer #3 · answered by Kiwi 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you can. I had cancer as well from the time I was born until I was 11, and theres a 10-year remission of when you're clear. I'm only on year 9, and there's still a small chance I can get it. You still have awhile unfortunately. Odds are, in won't come back, but you never know, but it's nothing to worry about.
2006-08-21 05:51:15 · answer #4 · answered by youdontneedtoknowme 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Cancer is not a virus or bacteria that you catch, and your body does not built resistance to it like childhood diseases. It is an abnormal growth of tissue and cells, what causes cancer is not understood completely. Yes! You can get cancer again, but if diagnosed early the chances of a full recovery is "GREAT"! See your doctor immediately if you think you might have cancer again, seek treatment right away!!!! Pray! It's the most important part of healing.
2006-08-21 05:59:49 · answer #5 · answered by SAM 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When your cancer is "cured" you go into what is known as remission. There is always the chance that the virus was not completely removed with chemotherapy and othre treatments and could become active again. Thus, unfortunately yes, you can get cancer a second time if you already had it.
2006-08-21 05:52:40 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Depending on the treatment you had for thyroid cancer, you may not be able to get THAT type again, if you have no thyroid left. But everyone is at risk for many kinds of cancer, and there is no immunity that comes from having it once.
2006-08-21 05:52:38 · answer #7 · answered by MOM KNOWS EVERYTHING 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's very possible unfortunately. If during the operation, the doctors missed cutting out A SINGLE CANCER CELL, it can split and divide and make more and more cancer cells, and eventually you may have to get surgery to remove the new growths.
However, if you had it before, I'm sure you are still receiving lots of checkups and things. Don't worry! :D
2006-08-21 05:52:04 · answer #8 · answered by Eileen 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes, there is. if the cancer was not completely removed the first time (sometimes that's just impossible to do, even with surgery/chemo/radiation), then even a single cancerous cell can grow and re-establish the cancer in your body.
sorry :(
the rate of recurrence would depend on the type of thyroid cancer that you had - papillary, follicular, or medullary. there's anaplastic type too, but I'm guessing that you didn't have that since you're with us today.
God bless.
2006-08-21 05:55:40 · answer #9 · answered by JoeSchmoe06 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Of course, especially if it hasn't been too long since the cancer was found the first time. The reason the have to detect the cancer early is because it travels throughout your body and although certain cancer cells grow in certain tissues, they can mutate over time to learn how to grow in different tissues. It is always possible to get cancer multiple times
2006-08-21 05:53:05 · answer #10 · answered by J-Rod 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋