Cancer of unknown primary (CUP)

If you’re affected by cancer of unknown primary (CUP), you may have many questions about how it is diagnosed, treatment options, side effects and how to stay well. You can find trustworthy information about all aspects of your experience below.

Understanding Cancer of Unknown Primary book

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What is CUP?

Cancer of unknown primary (CUP) is when cancer cells are found in the body but the place the cancer began is not known.

Symptoms

Symptoms of CUP are different for everyone and relate to the area where the cancer is found. Learn about the things to look out for and when to see your doctor.

Getting diagnosed

Find out about the tests used to try and find where the cancer started, and who will provide your care.

Treating CUP

The most common treatment for CUP is chemotherapy. You may also have hormone therapy, targeted therapy, radiation therapy or surgery.

Managing symptoms and side effects

Find out about common symptoms and treatment side effects, and ways to manage them.

Living with a CUP diagnosis

Learn about living with a CUP diagnosis and where to find practical support.

Questions for your doctorAsking your doctor questions will help you make an informed choice. You may want to include some of the questions below in your own list.

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Diagnosis

Is there any sign of where the cancer started or what type of cancer it is?
What tests do you recommend and why? What will they cost?
What type of specialised tests might be useful?
Are the latest tests and treatments for CUP available in this hospital?
Can you explain the results of the tests to me?
Will a multidisciplinary team be involved in my care?

Treatment

What happens if you can’t find where the cancer started?
What treatment do you recommend? What is the aim of the treatment?
If you find out where the primary cancer is, will my treatment change?
Are there other treatment choices for me? If not, why not?
If I don’t have the treatment, what should I expect?
How long do I have to make a decision?
I’m thinking of getting a second opinion. Can you recommend anyone?
How long will treatment take? Will I have to stay in hospital?
Are there any out-of-pocket expenses not covered by Medicare or my private health cover? Can the cost be reduced if I can’t afford it?
Are there any clinical trials or research studies I could join?
Are there any new drugs that might be of help to me?
Who will be my main point of contact during my treatment?
Who can help me manage my symptoms and make treatment choices?
Who can help me plan for my future? Can you tell me about advance care planning?

Side effects

What are the risks and possible side effects of each treatment?
Will I have a lot of pain? What will be done about this?
Should I change my diet or physical activity during or after treatment?
Are there any complementary therapies that might help me?

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