Blog Articles

Multiple myeloma is one of over a 100 different blood cancers and can devastate your immune system. If you were diagnosed with multiple myeloma, read our guide to find out what you need to know.

Cancers have the best possible prognoses in their earliest stages. Whether you have pancreatic cancer or are at risk, follow our top tips for lowering your risk for late-stage pancreatic cancer.

Seeing more pink? That’s because October is breast cancer awareness month. Review our guide on the aftercare and recovery process following breast cancer surgery.

With any type of cancer, early detection is critical for a positive treatment outcome. Find out what you can anticipate when you visit us for your next gynecologic cancer screening.

Pluvicto® is pioneering the field of genitourinary cancer treatment. Read our brief guide to find out how it shrinks prostate cancer cells while leaving other tissues unscathed. 

The symptoms of soft tissue sarcoma vary considerably as there are over 50 different types of the cancer. Being aware of the possible symptoms helps you detect sarcoma cancer early and improves your chances of successful treatment.

The weather is warming up and the hours of daylight are increasing. It’s time to start thinking about how you’ll protect your skin this summer.

A brain tumor diagnosis is a life-altering event. With our highly trained Neuro-Oncology specialists and the latest treatments available, your care is in excellent hands.

Clinical trials open the door for possible cancer improvement with novel therapies not yet available to the public. While every clinical trial is different, there are a few commonalities to expect.

To observe Colon Cancer Awareness Month, we’re teaching you how to detect colon cancer in its earliest and most treatable stages. Read on to learn about early signs of colon cancer and how you can be proactive today.

By the time you’re 50, you should have a discussion with your doctor about starting regular prostate cancer screenings. These screenings are the most effective way to find cancer early, but they’re not the only method for diagnosis.

Like other cancers, cervical cancer can develop for years before causing symptoms like back pain or weight loss. Since it’s cervical cancer awareness month, consider reviewing your risk factors and scheduling a screening today.

Immunotherapy works by enhancing the ability of your natural immune system to fight cancer cells. Review the commonly used immunotherapy modalities for cancer treatment.

GammaTile® Therapy is FDA-cleared as a treatment for patients with newly diagnosed malignant intracranial neoplasms and patients with recurrent intracranial neoplasms, including brain metastases, glioblastomas, and meningiomas.

Blood in your stool can be alarming and a good reason to go see your doctor. Explore the possible causes here.

Cancer isn’t easy to talk about, but understanding the warning signs is an important step in getting prompt treatment. Here’s what you should know about lung cancer and its symptoms.

The FDA granted approval to Lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan (Pluvicto; formerly 177Lu-PSMA-617), for the treatment of patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) in the post androgen receptor pathway inhibition, post-taxane-based...

The Virginia G. Piper Cancer Care Network and AZCCC are devoted to fighting cervical cancer. Public awareness for early screening increases the success of cancer treatment and even prevention.

The Virginia G. Piper Cancer Care Network and AZCCC are devoted to education on colorectal cancer and how it can be diagnosed and treated.

Phoenix, AZ—Arizona Center for Cancer Care (AZCCC) a leading cancer treatment center, is proud to be the first positron emission tomography (PET) center in Arizona to offer PYLARIFY® (piflufolastat F 18) Injection.

The month of November is devoted to educating on the signs of stomach cancer and how it can be diagnosed and treated. As reported by the American Cancer Society, roughly 26,000 new stomach cancer cases develop each year.

Did you know lung cancer kills 2 times as many women as breast cancer? Even more, lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer death in the United States and worldwide. In fact, lung cancer is responsible for more deaths in this country than the next...

Male breast cancer is more rare than female breast cancer, and it forms in the breast tissue of men. It is most common in older men. However, it can occur at any age.

Many studies prove that taking more steps each day – even if you walk at a regular pace – is linked with living longer. For both mental and physical health, walking is highly recommended for heart patients and for cancer patients...

It used to be that fall colors were red and orange, but since 1985 October is pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month! Founded in 1985 by the American Cancer Society, Breast Cancer Awareness Month and pink ribbons are now synonymous with the month...

Every September National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month is observed. Designating a specific month for prostate cancer serves the purpose of increasing public awareness for prostate health and screenings, educating about risk factors and symptoms...

We are honored to recognize Women Treating Women™ diagnosed with DCIS Breast Cancer. http://www.PreludeDX.com PreludeDx was founded with the goal of providing better decision-making tools to breast cancer patients and physicians.

Questions for AZCCC oncologists are important. Being told you have cancer can be scary and stressful. You probably have a lot of questions and concerns.

Arizona Center for Cancer Care is proud to bring the highest level of cancer treatment and blood disease to one of the fastest growing communities for Apache Junction cancer care. Even more, cancer treatment will now be easier and more convenient for many

As an innovator in healthcare AZCCC is introducing telemedicine for our doctors. Telemedicine seeks to improve a patient’s health by permitting two-way, real time interactive communication between the patient...

Flyer with instructions on Covid-19 AZCCC Covid-19 flyer

A Breast Caner Journey Danielle Tantone is a breast cancer survivor. She shares a breast cancer journey in this article.

Cancer treatment bell ringing is a celebration! Arizona Center for Cancer Care loves it when patients ring the bell. https://arizonaccc.com/centers-of-excellence/

Cancer is a disease. Cells in the body grow out of control. Therefore, cancer is named for the part of the body where it starts. This holds true even if it spreads to other body parts later.

The Best Arizona breast surgeons are at Arizona Center for Cancer Care. Best Arizona Breast Surgeons Arizona Center for Cancer Care is proud to recognize breast surgeon Dr. Sommer Gunia.

Arizona’s best radiation oncologists are at Arizona Center for Cancer Care. In addition, for more info on all of the radiation oncologists at Arizona Center for Cancer Care please go to https://arizonaccc.com/your-team/specialty/radiation-oncology/

The best Arizona cancer treatment is at Arizona Center for Cancer Care. In addition, a great physician at AZCCC is Dr. Gregory Maggass. https://arizonaccc.com/your-team/name/gregory-maggass/

Dr, Devinder Singh honored by Az Business Leaders is well deserved. Az Business Leaders magazine is announcing the recognition. Dr. Singh is a medical oncologist. In addition, he is with Arizona Center for Cancer Care.

A pancreatic cancer clinical trial is being conducted in Scottsdale. Dr. Steven Sckolnik is a radiation oncologist at Arizona Center for Cancer Care. https://arizonaccc.com/steven-sckolnik-md/

Men’s Health Awareness Month is November! AZCCC radiation oncologist Dr. Justin Famoso meets the community. In addition, Joining Dr. Famoso is AZCCC urologist Dr. Torre Rhoades.

Arizona honors Marie Curie on her birthday, In turn, the Society for Women in Radiation Oncology presents the second annual #WomenWhoCurie Day. Hence, this day honors Marie Curie’s pioneering work in physics and research with radioactive elements.

Phoenix homeless cancer care is important. Even more, student volunteers and doctors are helping. In addition, the public is being educated.

Spanish speaking cancer doctors are important. They bring comfort to many patients. Even more, Spanish speaking cancer doctors can communicate important information to patients.

Winning the cancer fight is inspirational. It is the goal of patients. Winning the cancer fight is the goal of physicians.

Medical Oncologist Dr, Sanjeev Gopal is a superstar! As a result, below is a beautiful letter from grateful Arizona cancer patient Roberta O’Coyne in Mesa.

Skin cancer risk in vehicles is usually unexpected. Most drivers feel they are protected inside a cab of a truck or inside of a car. However, the truth is just the opposite.

Better treatment for pancreatic cancer is the goal. Therefore, AZCCC radiation oncologist Dr. Steven Sckolnik offers options and education with Honor Health.

Fighting esophageal cancer in the past year, music star Eddie Monday has passed at the age of 70. He recently announced to his fans that he had Stage 4 esophageal cancer...

Understanding pancreatic cancer is important. AZCCC and Virginia G. Piper Cancer Care Network’s Dr. Wish Dhillon invited Dr. Albert Amini from Arizona Premiere Surgery to an upcoming media special.

Radiation Therapist Jeff Arnold is caring for patients at the Arizona Center for Cancer Care Surprise Clinic. Favorite Part of the Job for Radiation Therapist Jeff Arnold

Another top radiation oncologist provides cancer care at AZCCC. Dr, Samuel Day is a Radiation Oncologist Who Provides Cancer Care at AZCCC

Fighting cancer is Alex Trebek. As a result, battling Stage 4 pancreatic cancer includes receiving chemotherapy treatments. Even more, fighting cancer continues to be the goal for the star of Jeopardy!

Sponsoring Phoenix Cancer Support Network is AZCCC. As a result he PCSN Gala at the beautiful Chateau Luxe in Phoenix raised over $40,000. Fundraisers by PCSN continue to support many cancer patients and their families.

Did you know that 42 percent of cancer cases — and 45 percent of cancer deaths — in the U.S. are linked to risk factors you can change? Reduce your cancer risks.

Girl Scouts help cancer patients! Troop 932 delivered care packages to Arizona Center for Cancer Care at the AZCCC Deer Valley location. The Troop Leader said “Dr. Patel was there so that was cool!”

AZCCC is providing the best cancer care in Arizona. As a result, finishing treatment at our Surprise clinic is Cynthia Smith.

Arizona Center for Cancer Care and Virginia G. Piper Cancer Care Network is providing the best cancer care for Mom.

AZCCC welcomes radiation oncologist Dr. Justin Famoso! Dr. Famoso specializes in radiation oncology, therefore treating a wide variety of diseases with innovative radiation technologies.

Dr. John Bibb is passionate about helping patients and their families understand their diagnosis and the treatments involved. As a result, Dr. Bibb builds personal relationships to make the best decisions together.

AZCCC is receiving some awesome comments from happy patients of radiation oncologist Dr. Daniel Reed. Therefore, we would like to share with you!

Dr. Patel cares for patients. AZCCC is proud of Medical Oncologist Dr. Abhishek Patel and all of our rock star docs & their staffs! We love hearing from warm patients like this one!

Congratulations to Dr. Robert Kuske for being awarded the 2018 Ulrich Henschke Award! The Ulrich Henschke Award is the highest award given by the American Brachytherapy Society.

Congratulations to our Arizona Center for Cancer Care physicians who were voted 2018 Top Docs by their peers in PHOENIX Magazine!

AZCCC and HonorHealth celebrated the opening of two new hematology, medical and gynecologic oncology clinics located on the campus of HonorHealth’s JCL and Deer Valley Campus

Chemotherapy as part of your cancer treatment, and you may feel fearful about the treatment’s known effects. Chemo brings hair loss, nausea and “chemo brain.” But one little-known effect of chemo is hearing loss.

Sisters and brothers of children with cancer carry a unique stress. In fact, they feel stress from many directions. They realize their family routine is changing and feel anxiety, guilt, anger and sadness throughout this time.

Hearing your child has cancer is difficult. The first weeks after hearing about their life-threatening illness blur together as you adjust to your new responsibilities.

When your doctor checks for cancer, he or she may need to take tissue or cell samples from one or more parts of your body. The tumor’s location and suspected type of cancer determine how the doctor takes these samples.

When young people undergo a cancer diagnosis, they feel a total loss of control over their world. Most have to cope with hospital stays, tests, exams, medications, surgery or other treatments.

Imaging tests, or radiology tests, take pictures of the inside of your body for your doctor’s review. These tests help find cancer, how far it has spread and whether your cancer treatment works for you.

Your child’s schooling and socialization need to remain a priority during cancer treatment. After all, school provides a safe place for your child to learn, socialize and grow.

Imaging tests go by many names. They are sometimes called imaging studies or by their type, such as X-rays, CT scans, MRIs or ultrasounds. Whatever type of imaging test you undergo, these tests help doctors look for cancer...

Children react to their cancer diagnosis in an unlimited number of ways. But some things commonly occur among people of the same age group, as part of normal adjustment to having cancer. Remember that it is normal for your child to feel stress after...

Many professionals make up your child’s cancer treatment team. These caring people help their patients and their patients’ families. Even after your child’s treatment ends, these professionals remain accessible.

Cancer of the blood-developing cells of your bone marrow, called chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), invades your blood and spreads to other areas of your body. CML only accounts for about ten percent of leukemia patients.

Among teens and children, the most common cancer is leukemia. One of three people with cancer before adulthood have leukemia. Most young people with childhood leukemia gain a diagnosis of lymphocytic leukemia

Thyroid cancer develops in your thyroid gland. Many thyroid gland growths and tumors are non-cancerous, benign. But many are malignant cancers that can spread to other parts of your body. Malignant thyroid cancers include...

Cancer spreading to other parts of your body is called metastasis. Doctors also call it metastatic cancer or stage 4 cancer.

Many cancer patients about to undergo their first treatments fear side effects. But your treatment team exists to help you get through these procedures and their after-effects, through preventing and managing those side effects.

One of the clearest paths to getting to know your leukemia includes getting to know the basics of healthy bone marrow, blood and lymphoid tissue. By understanding the role of these important tissues and blood, you get closer...

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) develops from young white blood cells in your bone marrow. These cells are called lymphocytes.

Acute myeloid leukemia most commonly affects aging adults. Doctors refer to this leukemia under several names, including: Acute myelocytic leukemia Acute myelogenous leukemia

Pancreatic cancer develops from rapidly growing, out-of-control cells in the pancreas. Your pancreas sits behind your stomach where the first part of your small intestine begins.

Stomach cancer, sometimes called gastric cancer, develops in your stomach and usually grows over the course of many years before detection. This cancer typically starts as precancerous changes in the stomach’s inner lining.

Kidney cancer starts in your kidneys. This cancer usually takes the form of renal cell carcinoma, the most common type of kidney cancer. About 90 percent of kidney cancer patients gain diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma.

Cancer treatment commonly results in side effects like nausea and vomiting. There are multiple reasons why this happens, including gastrointestinal tract irritation, brain chemical changes, anxiety and nervousness during treatment.

Today’s advancements in breast reconstruction surgery techniques offer women more natural-looking results that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also help renew self-confidence and esteem.

One of the latest medical techniques which are used for the diagnostic purpose is ‘’Magnetic Resonance Imaging’’. BY the aid of this sophisticated medical diagnostic technique, a number of diseases can be diagnosed quite easily and efficiently.

One of the most common problems associated with cancer treatment is fatigue. Fatigue lasts a long time after treatment ends, including feeling weak, tired or completely void of energy.

If you go through external beam radiation therapy for cancer treatment, you receive this treatment on a set schedule. For most people this schedule is daily treatment five days per week, Monday through Friday.

Cancer is one of the most difficult diagnoses. It immediately causes a great deal of stress in your life. Add to your diagnosis and treatment the typical stress of work, home life and finances, and your cancer diagnosis seems insurmountable.

A cancer developing in cells lining your lymph or blood vessels, Kaposi sarcoma usually appears as tumors in your mouth, on skin or on other parts of your body.

Acute lymphocytic leukemia, sometimes called acute lymphoblastic leukemia or ALL, develops in young white blood cells called lymphocytes. These lymphocytes live in your bone marrow, the spongy inner tissue of your bones responsible for making...

Cervical cancer begins as pre-cancerous changes. This means doctors can find this type of cancer early enough to stop cancer from developing.

When you experience a cancer diagnosis, you feel a lack of certainty about your future. You may feel insecure about your future, as many people do.

Risk factors are lifestyle choices, behaviors, traits or other exposures increasing your risk of having a particular disease. Each type of cancer has its own risk factors, some of which you control and others you do not.

Many people survive colorectal cancer after their treatment removes or destroys the disease. Reaching the end of treatment is both exciting and stressful.

Being diagnosed with colorectal cancer leads to development of a treatment plan. You face choices in your treatment and need to weigh those options for their benefits, risks and side effects.

Receiving a diagnosis of colorectal cancer creates a great deal of confusion in your life, very quickly. This is just one reason why you need to fully discuss your treatment options.

Leukemia is a cancer affecting your blood cells, specifically those helping new blood cells form. Most people with leukemia have cancer that affects their white blood cells...

For many men breast conditions are benign, not cancerous. For others their breast condition is malignant, cancerous.

Going through cancer is enough to make anyone angry. In fact, anger is the first emotion most people feel after their diagnosis. But anger can crop up at any time during your treatment and recovery.

Palliative care improves your quality of life when you have a serious or life-threatening disease, such as cancer. The goal of palliative care is prevention or treatment of the symptoms and side effects of the disease and its treatment.

Children usually sense something is wrong even before they are told a family member has cancer. They also overhear conversations in the household. Not being told what is going on makes them worry more and causes stress in their lives.

Risk factors for diseases like cancer include factors in your lifestyle or health that increase your likelihood of having that disease. There are multiple cervical cancer risk factors.

Colorectal cancer brings many changes in your life. One of the biggest changes is worry over lowering your risk of recurrence or continued growth of your cancer. Research indicates some things you can do to relieve this worry...

Patients going through cancer treatment commonly experience the side effect of appetite loss. Maybe you feel like eating less or food holds no appeal for you. However you experience your appetite loss, this condition can have one or more causes.

Risk factors identify things affecting your chance of getting a specific disease, such as bone cancer. Having a risk factor does not mean you will definitely get cancer.

Cancer treatment leads to a wide variety of side effects. Many people experience chewing or swallowing problems as one of these effects, particularly when it comes to solid foods or foods with texture.

When you undergo cancer treatment, it affects your fastest replicating body cells and those most sensitive to the treatment methods. These include cells of your gastrointestinal tract lining, the ones in your mouth, throat, esophagus, rectum...

Gallbladder cancer is a cancer developing in your gallbladder, a small organ under your liver on the right side of your body. Your gallbladder performs important functions inhelping your body digest fats in foods.

Cervical cancer is one of the easiest to detect and most preventable types of cancer. When found early through routine Pap tests, cervical cancer is highly treatable.

Your pets hold a beloved place as members of your family. They play an important role in your cancer treatment and recovery, helping you focus on something outside of your cancer to recharge your mind, body and spirit.

Breast cancer surgery, melanoma of the arm or leg and other cancer conditions often include risk for lymphedema. Lymphedema is swelling of the lymphatic system, leading to trapped fluid in parts of your body.

Many lung cancer diagnoses occur before extreme symptoms occur. But even in early lung cancer you may notice some symptoms. This is why it is important to visit your doctor when you experience any changes in breathing or lung function.

Breast cancer survival rates help you understand how long other people with your type of cancer have survived after diagnosis. These breast cancer survival rates do not help you know how long you will live after your diagnosis.

Many people struggle with weight loss. Many of these people have serious conditions related to their excess weight, which can be life-threatening and often fatal.

Two types of endometrial cancer are uterine sarcomas and endometrial carcinomas. Uterine sarcomas begin in connective tissues or muscle layer of the uterus, whereas endometrial carcinomas start in the uterus lining.

Skin cancer takes many forms. It appears in many shapes and sizes. You need to conduct a skin self-exam on a regular basis and alert your doctor to areas concerning you, particularly if the spots recently appeared or changed.

A system of lymph vessels, much like smaller veins, and lymph nodes make up your lymphatic system. This superhighway for your immune system collects waste, fluid, materials and other things from your body tissues and carries it through clear, watery lymph.

Bone cancer begins when cells in your bones grow out of control. These cells often form tumors. Some tumors are benign, non-cancerous. Others are malignant cancer, potentially spreading to other parts of the body.

Risk factors help provide understanding of your potential of gaining a cancer diagnosis. But these risk factors by no means predict such disease. With understanding of your risk factors you know better what diseases to watch for or which behaviors...

Going through cancer treatment is never easy. It is intimidating, at the least. There are many procedures and treatments to understand when making decisions for your best health.

For both men and women, breast cancer is a malignant tumor in the breast. The tumor starts from breast cells forming a group of cancer cells.

As of 2012, with the passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), states can now choose to establish a “benchmark plan” from the selection of existing health insurance plans that will become recognized statewide as a baseline for coverage in that state.

Researchers do not yet know the full story of what causes colorectal cancer. But they do know of several risk factors for the disease. They also know that cancers of all kinds begin when DNA inside our cells changes.

Your self-image is an important view of yourself that drives your self-confidence, thoughts and behaviors. After cancer diagnosis and during cancer treatment you experience many physical and emotional changes.

Many people with cancer go through depression. This is natural. But the good news is that there is help for your depression. You simply need to ask your treatment team for help.

Undergoing cancer treatment means taking on the challenges of the treatment’s side effects. These treatments affect your body cells replicating the fastest. Among these cells are those in the lining of the gastrointestinal tract.

Not every type of lung cancer is preventable. But you do control many risk factors for lung cancer. Eliminating these risk factors as possible reduces your chances of a lung cancer diagnosis.

If you notice unusual moles, sores, blemishes, marks, lumps or changes in your skin’s appearance or texture, you may be seeing early signs of a skin cancer like melanoma. It is important to keep an eye on these skin conditions and gain a doctor’s...

Many people do not know there are multiple types of breast cancer. The three most common breast cancers are ductal carcinoma in situ, invasive ductal carcinoma and invasive lobular carcinoma.

Bladder cancer develops from cells in the bladder growing out of control, sometimes forming a bladder tumor. These cancers sometimes spread to other areas of your body.

There are many types of cancer, a disease that starts when cells in your body grow out of control. Cancer affects almost any body part and can easily spread from one region of the body to another.

Adrenal cancer includes tumors and cancers of the adrenal cortex, the outer part of the adrenal glands. The inner part of the adrenal glands, the medulla, is actually part of the nervous system.

Using dietary supplements during cancer treatment causes much debate among healthcare professionals. Some of these supplements work well with a well-balanced diet and help provide complete nutrition.

Recent studies link certain lifestyles, behaviors and other exposures to colon cancer. Called risk factors, these areas of your daily life are often controllable. That means you experience a lower risk of colon cancer when you reduce your risk...

After your cancer diagnosis, there are multiple types of treatment at your disposal. These treatments and your individualized treatment plan vary according to your specific health needs.

Your body needs good nutrition for health and tissue replacement. So eating healthy foods before, during and after your cancer diagnosis is very important.

Knowing your own breasts is important. You need to know how they normally look and feel, to recognize signs of changes early. This is an important part of breast health and gives you better odds of successfully treating your breast cancer...

During your cancer treatment, your body struggles to fight infection. This makes it even more important to ensure your foods meet safety needs. You must reduce your risk for foodborne illnesses and other infections.

Cells in your body becoming abnormal and uncontrollably growing are cancer cells. Lung cancer includes these same factors. Also like other cancers, sometimes lung cancer cells form tumors and spread to other body tissues.

Most skin cancers are one of four types. These most common types amounting to 99 percent of all skin cancers include: Basal Cell Carcinoma Squamous Cell Carcinoma

At this time in medical science, you cannot prevent prostate cancer. There are many risk factors for prostate cancer, such as age, race and family history. But there are things you can do to possibly decrease your risk of prostate cancer.

There is no clear means of preventing colorectal cancer, sometimes called colon cancer or rectal cancer. But you can reduce your risk for the disease by changing your controllable risk factors.

Normal breast cells become cancerous when they experience changes or mutations in DNA. You inherit some DNA changes from your parents. These increase your odds of developing breast cancer.

Colon cancer is one of the leading cancers today. It affects your large intestine, also known as the colon, the last part of your digestive tract. Most colon cancer begins as noncancerous cell clumps called adenomatous polyps, which later become...

Cancer is out-of-control cell growth in your body. This cancerous growth can happen in almost any body cells. Likewise, skin cancer starts when skin cells grow uncontrollably.

Risk factors affect your chances of developing cancer. Each type of cancer has its own risk factors, such as smoking being a risk factor for lung cancer. Smoking is a risk factor you control.

Cancer occurs when cells in your body grow out of control. This type of uncontrolled cell growth can take place in nearly any part of the body. In many cases, this cancer spreads to other parts of the body.

Lymph nodes, normally tiny and hard to find, get much larger with infection, inflammation or cancer. You sometimes feel your lymph nodes with your fingers or even see them.

Nutrition plays an important part in your cancer treatment and recovery. This is especially true when you experience side effects during and after chemotherapy.

When your lung cells grow abnormally and out of control, lung cancer begins. As these cancerous cells increase in number, they form a tumor and can spread to other body regions.

When it comes to calories and protein intake during cancer care, follow your doctor’s instructions first. Their guidance may be different than information you find elsewhere, because your situation and health needs may differ.

Immunotherapy includes several types of immune system mobilizing therapies designed to treat cancer. In essence, these therapies use your own immune system to fight your disease.

After your cancer metastasizes, your outlook may be like that of someone with another type of chronic disease. Someone with type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis or congestive heart failure lives with their disease, knowing it cannot be cured.