Online Books > Helping People Cope: A Guide For Families Facing Cancer

H

High Risk--When the chance of developing cancer is greater than normally seen in the general population. Patients may be at high risk from many factors including heredity (e.g., a family history of breast cancer), personal habits (e.g., smoking) or the environment (e.g., overexposure to sunlight). (See Risk Factor)

Hodgkin's Disease--A form of cancer that affects the lymph system. Hodgkin's disease generally occurs in adults, and can now be successfully treated in the majority of patients.

Hormone--Secreted by various organs in the body, hormones help regulate growth, metabolism and reproduction. Some hormones are used as treatment following surgery for breast, ovarian and prostate cancers.

Hospice--A concept of psychosocial and supportive care to meet the special needs of patients and their families during the terminal stages of illness. The care is provided both in outpatient and inpatient settings.

Hysterectomy--The surgical removal of the uterus. May be combined with removal of the ovaries (oophorectomy).

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