23 February 2024 , 19:35
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Hearing you've got cancer, as 393,000 people in the UK do every year, is one of the most difficult conversations we can have with our doctors.
After undergoing different treatments available - depending on the cancer - patients then hope to hear good news, as BBC Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden did this afternoon, as she revealed she has “no evidence” of the disease. No evidence is one of many updates people may receive when they sit down with their families to receive the news.
Below we take a look at some of the terms doctors may use - and what they mean for future prognoses.
Cancer free
Cancer-free implies there is nothing in the body that is detectable as cancer. It also implies the doctor does not believe there is any residual cancer left anywhere, and so may not return at all - although that cannot be certain.
There are several potential prognoses for cancer patients (Getty Images)Remission
Being in remission means the signs and symptoms of cancer are reduced. It can be partial or complete, and in the latter it means all signs and symptoms of cancer have disappeared.
Baby boy has spent his life in hospital as doctors are 'scared' to discharge him
Remaining in remission for five years or more may lead to another update from doctors to say patients are cured. However, that still may not be the end, as doctors will continue to test for cancer in case it returns.
No evidence of disease (NED)
No evidence of disease means the same as complete remission. Tests cannot find any signs of cancer in the body. However, the possibility remains tiny cancer cells remain somewhere, meaning there's a chance of relapse in the future.
It comes as Amy Dowden earlier revealed she was told there is 'no evidence of the disease', as she shared a delightful health update following her cancer treatment. The professional dancer, 33, was rushed to hospital last week as her family stayed by her side during the tough time.
She received care in the respiratory unit and her husband Ben "spent hours next to [her] bed" while she slept. Amy took to her Instagram following her hospital stay and revealed she was "feeling much better now".
She has been sharing her story, including her chemotherapy side effects and personal plans, on social media and recently took to her page to share the incredible news that doctors have told her there is 'no evidence of disease'.