Common Cancer Questions

By the Oncol.net editorial team · Last updated November 1, 2026

These are the questions patients and families ask most often. Each one has a short answer and a link to a longer guide. If you are on chemo and have a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, stop reading and call your care team now.

Is this an emergency?

What temperature is an emergency during chemo? 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. Call right away, even at night.
What should I call my doctor about? Fever, shaking chills, chest pain and black stools need urgent care. Our guide lists what needs a same-day call.
What is neutropenia? A low level of the white blood cells that fight infection. Your ANC blood count below 1,500/µL means neutropenia, and below 500/µL is severe.

Stages and outlook

What does TNM mean? T is the main tumor, N is nearby lymph nodes, and M is metastasis, or spread to distant parts of the body.
What is the difference between stage 1 and stage 4? Stage 1 is usually smaller and more contained. Stage 4 has spread to distant parts of the body.
Can stage 4 cancer be treated? Yes. Treatment can control many stage 4 cancers and relieve symptoms, even when a cure is not expected.
What does prognosis mean? It is your doctor's estimate of how a cancer is likely to behave. It is based on groups of people, so it cannot predict one person's outcome.
How fast does cancer spread? It depends on the type and grade. Many tumors take months to double in size, and some grow very quickly.

Side effects

How long does hair take to come back? Soft fuzz often appears 3 to 4 weeks after the last chemo, with about 1 inch at 2 to 3 months.
Will chemo make my hair fall out? It depends on the drugs. Our guide covers timing, cold caps and wigs.
Is chemo brain real? Yes. Memory and focus problems are common and often improve within a year after treatment ends.
Why are my hands and feet red and sore? It may be hand-foot syndrome, a reaction to some cancer drugs. Tell your team early.
When are my blood counts lowest? For many chemo regimens, on about days 7 to 14 after treatment.

Treatment decisions

Does surgery make cancer spread? The chance is very low, and exposure to air does not make cancer spread.
Does palliative care mean I am dying? No. It treats symptoms and stress at any stage, alongside cancer treatment.
Should I consider a clinical trial? It is worth asking about at any stage. Our guide explains phases and how to find one.

Tests and family risk

How is cancer diagnosed? Usually with a biopsy, in which a tissue sample is checked under a microscope.
When should I have a colonoscopy? Most people at average risk should begin colorectal screening at age 45. Colonoscopy is one option, every 10 years if the result is normal.
Does colon cancer run in families? Sometimes. Lynch syndrome is the most common inherited cause, and each child of a carrier has a 50% chance of inheriting it.
Who should have BRCA testing? People with certain personal or family histories of breast, ovarian and related cancers. Ask about genetic counseling.

Keep browsing

You can also go straight to cancer types, cancer drugs, side effects and treatments, or look up a word in our glossary.

Sources

This page is general information, not medical advice. Your care team knows your situation and should guide your decisions.