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It can be difficult and overwhelming to hear that you, or someone you know, has cancer that is advanced, chronic, metastatic, or is non-curative. Many people have questions and concerns when they first hear these terms. While this diagnosis can be challenging, more people are living well with advanced, chronic, metastatic or non-curative cancer. We are here to help you, and you are not alone.
You may hear one or more of these terms used to describe your cancer. The following information explains what they mean.
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Terms Explained|Resources
Advanced cancer is a broad term used to describe cancer at a later stage and may have spread beyond where it started. Depending on the type of cancer and available treatments, advanced cancer may not be curable, but treatment can often help control the cancer and manage the symptoms. To learn more, visit Canadian Cancer Society - Advanced Cancer.
Chronic cancer is when the cancer may be slow growing or be managed over a long period of time with ongoing treatment. Like other chronic illnesses, people may live with chronic cancer for many years. For example, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is often considered a chronic cancer. Find out more information at Canadian Cancer Society - Cancer as a Chronic Disease.
Metastatic cancer is cancer that has spread from where it started to another part of the body. For example, colorectal cancer can spread from the colon to the liver. Find out more information at Canadian Cancer Society - What is Metastatic Cancer?
Non-curative cancer is cancer that may not go away completely. This does not mean that it cannot be treated. You may hear that the goal of treatment is to control the cancer, manage the symptoms, and maintain quality of life rather than cure the cancer.
For health advice 24/7 phone 811 a free health information service. You have options to speak with a variety of health professionals.
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