People with cancer have specific medical needs, especially during active treatment and in the time after treatment. These needs may become serious in the event of a natural or man-made disaster, such as tornadoes, earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, outbreaks of disease (such as the flu or measles), and terrorist attacks. Even if such an event is unlikely where you live, it is important to be prepared. This article will help you and your family plan for emergency situations.

People living with cancer often are at a higher risk of infections, such as influenza, or the "flu." This risk is due to cancer and cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, which weaken the immune system. The flu is a common, contagious illness that is caused by influenza viruses and affects the respiratory system (the organs involved in breathing).

Wish fulfillment organizations offer children and adults with a chronic or advanced condition, such as cancer, the chance to take a break from the challenging experience by allowing them to have their wishes and dreams come true. Such dreams—big or small—may include taking a family vacation, attending an event, purchasing a desired item, or meeting someone special. Whatever the wish, wish fulfillment organizations aim to help people with advanced illness enrich the quality of their lives and create meaningful memories.

Doctors may need to perform a variety of medical tests and procedures to learn more about your child's cancer and to provide the best treatment. Anticipating and having these procedures often is a major source of anxiety and stress for both children and parents. Fortunately, much of the anxiety surrounding procedures can be reduced by carefully preparing you and your child.

An illness such as cancer can be one of the most stressful events a person experiences. The stress of cancer and its treatment may be increased by other cancer-related stresses such as family, work, and financial concerns, as well as everyday stress that was present before the cancer diagnosis.

ASCO member Evan J. Lipson, MD, launched a website that offers people with cancer and their families an opportunity to record and preserve audio interviews as a way to share their personal stories with others. Here, Cancer.Net talks with Dr. Lipson to learn more about why he created this website, SeizetheDays.org.

Many young adults who have a parent with cancer feel torn between their focus on establishing themselves in the world and their duty and desire to help a parent who is facing a serious illness. While caregiving can be a rewarding way to reconnect with parents, it can also change a phase of life that is typically marked by exploration and freedom.

A person with cancer may have more than one option for treating the disease, and it may be difficult to choose among them. In making this choice, patients often ask for the opinions of family members. And, in some cases, family members may disagree with each other and with the patient, creating conflict when they need each other’s support the most. This is particularly complex when the patient is a child or an adult who is medically unable to make decisions. This article provides suggestions on how to keep the lines of communication open and work together to make treatment choices.