How this site works
What we do & don’t do
Cancer Explained helps you understand cancer using trusted National Cancer Institute educational resources, written in plain language. So you always know what to expect, here is exactly what we do, what we don’t do, and how to use the site.
What we do
Explain in plain language
We turn trusted National Cancer Institute educational resources into clear, everyday language anyone can follow.
Help you understand your options
We describe how cancer, tests, treatments, and side effects generally work — so conversations with your care team make more sense.
Point you to trusted sources
Every explanation links back to its original source and encourages you to read it. We show where each fact comes from.
Help you prepare
We offer questions to ask, checklists, glossaries, and printable one-pagers to bring to appointments.
Stay free and ad-free
Cancer Explained is a nonprofit educational project. There are no ads and nothing to buy.
Support many languages
We publish in English and Spanish and offer language hubs and translation guidance so more people can read trusted information.
What we don’t do
Give medical advice
We do not tell you what to do about your own health. Our content is general education, not advice for your specific situation.
Diagnose or treat
We can't diagnose a condition or recommend a treatment. Only a qualified professional who knows your history can do that.
Replace your care team
We're a starting point for understanding — not a substitute for your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
Invent information
We never make up medical facts. If something isn't in our source material, we say so rather than guess.
Handle emergencies
This site is not for urgent problems. If you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number right away.
Sell your data
We don't sell your information or use the site to advertise products or services to you.
How to use this site
Think of Cancer Explained as a way to prepare and understand — not to decide. Read about your topic here, note the questions that come up, and bring them to your healthcare team. Use our questions and answers, glossary, and printable one-pagers to get ready for appointments. When you want the full, current detail, follow the source link on any page to the original NCI material.
When to talk to your care team
Always talk with your doctor or another qualified health provider about any questions regarding your own health, and before making any decision about tests or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice, or delay seeking it, because of something you read here.
In an emergency
Do not use this site for emergencies. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or your local emergency number immediately.
For more, see our about page, editorial process, and medical disclaimer.