When cancer won't go away: for people whose cancer has advanced

• Cancer that has advanced

• First reactions

• The emotional impact

• Treatment

• Common symptoms

• Complementary therapies

• Unproven remedies

• Death and dying

• Services and information

This information is for adults who have a cancer that is not likely to be cured and are looking for information and support.

Health professionals use several different names to describe cancer that has advanced beyond early stages, including advanced, secondary, metastatic and progressive cancer. Sometimes, health professionals don't use a special name. We use the term 'advanced cancer'.

Whatever words you use, it can be devastating to hear that cancer has advanced.

For carers, there is information called When Cancer Won't Go Away: For Carers of People whose Cancer has Advanced.

Most of the quotes in this information are from people with advanced cancer. They tell us how they faced the situation and what has helped them. Above all, they offer hope to others. But reading the information may stir up difficult feelings. Try reading the parts that seem useful now and leave the rest until you are ready.

We hope that you find the information helpful: it was produced with the assistance and advice of health professionals and people with advanced cancer.

Last updated: 7 February 2001