Cancer Explained for Grand Rapids, Michigan

Cancer is a disease of the body’s cells. Cells are the basic building blocks of the human body. We have many different types of cells—such as bone, skin, blood, and organ cells—and our bodies are constantly making new cells to help us grow, replace old or damaged cells, and heal injuries.

Sometimes this normal process goes wrong. A cell can become abnormal and begin to grow and divide when it shouldn’t. These abnormal cells can keep multiplying and may form a lump or mass called a tumor.

Cancer affects people in every community, including here in Grand Rapids and across West Michigan. Understanding what cancer is, how it’s found, and what treatment options exist can help you or a loved one make informed decisions about care.

Types of Tumors

Benign Tumors (Not Cancer)

Benign tumors are not cancer. They:

  • Do not invade nearby tissues
  • Do not spread to other parts of the body
  • Often can be removed with surgery if they cause problems

Malignant Tumors (Cancer)

Malignant tumors are cancer. They:

  • Can grow into nearby tissues and organs
  • Can spread to other parts of the body through the blood or lymph system
  • Can form new tumors in other areas

Where Can Cancer Start?

Because the body is made up of cells, cancer can start almost anywhere in the body. Common places where cancer begins include:

  • Skin
  • Breast
  • Prostate
  • Lung
  • Colon and rectum (bowel)
  • Blood and bone marrow (like leukemia or lymphoma)

The place where the cancer first starts is called the primary cancer or primary site.

Cancer of Unknown Primary

Sometimes, especially when cancer is found at a later stage, doctors can see that cancer has spread but cannot find where it started. This is called “cancer of unknown primary” (CUP).

Can Cancer Spread?

Yes. Cancer cells can sometimes break away from the original (primary) tumor and travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to other parts of the body.

When cancer spreads and forms a new tumor somewhere else, it is called:

  • Secondary cancer, or
  • Metastasis (metastatic cancer)

Even when cancer spreads, it is still named for the place where it started. For example, breast cancer that spreads to the lung is called metastatic breast cancer, not lung cancer.

How Do You Get Cancer?

Cancer can happen to anyone, including people in good health. However, some things can increase a person’s risk of developing cancer.

Common Cancer Risk Factors

  • Getting older (many cancers are more common after age 50)
  • Smoking tobacco or using other tobacco products
  • Drinking too much alcohol
  • Lack of physical activity
  • Unhealthy diet (low in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains; high in processed foods)
  • Being overweight or obese
  • Too much sun or UV exposure (especially important in Michigan, where people may get sunburned on rare sunny days or while enjoying Lake Michigan and outdoor activities)
  • Certain infections, such as:
    • Human papillomavirus (HPV), spread through sexual contact
    • Hepatitis B or C
  • Family history of cancer (genetic or inherited risks)
  • Exposure to certain chemicals, including asbestos and some industrial chemicals

Living in Grand Rapids or the broader West Michigan area does not by itself cause cancer, but local environmental and lifestyle factors—such as indoor work during long winters, reduced vitamin D, or increased indoor smoking exposure—may affect overall health.

Cancer Is Not Contagious

You cannot catch cancer from another person. It is safe to:

  • Touch, hug, or kiss someone with cancer
  • Share food, drinks, or bathrooms
  • Be in the same room or car

Being close and supportive can be very important for someone going through cancer treatment.

How Common Is Cancer?

Cancer is common in the United States and in Michigan. Many families in Grand Rapids have been affected in some way.

The good news:
Many cancers can be treated successfully, especially when they are found early. That’s why cancer screening and paying attention to body changes are so important.

For up-to-date data about cancer in Michigan, you can visit the Michigan Cancer Registry and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services website.

How Is Cancer Found (Diagnosed)?

Cancer may be found in two main ways:

  1. Because of symptoms – A person feels unwell or notices changes in their body and sees a doctor.
  2. Through routine screening – Tests done when you feel well, to find cancer early before symptoms appear.

In Grand Rapids, cancer screening and diagnosis services are available through:

  • Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health)
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
  • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
  • Mercy Health and affiliated clinics
  • Local primary care providers and community clinics

Having Symptoms Does Not Always Mean Cancer

Many symptoms of cancer can also be caused by less serious conditions. Still, it is important to know what is normal for your body and to see your doctor if you notice changes that don’t go away.

Common Warning Signs to Discuss With a Doctor

Talk to your Grand Rapids primary care provider or clinic if you notice:

Breast Changes

  • New lump or thickened area in the breast or underarm
  • Nipple changes, such as:
    • Turning inward (inversion)
    • Unusual discharge (especially bloody or clear)
  • Changes in breast size, shape, or skin (dimpling, redness, scaling)
  • Breast pain that doesn’t go away

Skin Changes

  • New lumps, sores, or ulcers that don’t heal
  • Moles that:
    • Change in size, shape, or color
    • Have irregular borders
    • Itch, bleed, or crust

This is especially important for people in West Michigan who spend time outdoors in summer, at Lake Michigan, or on local trails.

Other Concerning Symptoms

  • A cough that won’t go away, or hoarseness/voice changes
  • Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
  • Unexplained weight loss without trying
  • Nausea or vomiting that doesn’t go away
  • Diarrhea or constipation that lasts more than a few weeks or has no clear cause
  • Blood in your stool (poop) or urine (pee)
  • Unexplained pain anywhere in the body that does not get better
  • For women, any unusual vaginal bleeding:
    • Bleeding between periods
    • Bleeding after sex
    • Bleeding after menopause, even a few spots

If you notice any of these symptoms, especially if they last more than a few weeks, make an appointment with your doctor right away. In Grand Rapids, if you don’t have a regular doctor, you can contact:

  • A local urgent care or walk-in clinic
  • Kent County Health Department or Grand Rapids Public Health for guidance on low-cost or community clinics

Cancer Screening in Michigan and Grand Rapids

Regular screening can find some cancers early, when treatment is more likely to work well.

Common screening tests include:

  • Breast cancer screening (mammograms) – usually recommended for women starting in their 40s–50s
  • Colorectal (bowel) cancer screening – stool tests or colonoscopy, usually starting around age 45
  • Cervical cancer screening (Pap test and HPV test) – for women and people with a cervix, typically starting around age 21

Talk to your Grand Rapids healthcare provider about:

  • Which screening tests you need
  • When you should start
  • How often you should be screened

You can also find screening information through:

  • Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health websites
  • Kent County Health Department cancer screening and prevention programs

What Happens If You Have Cancer?

Cancer will not go away on its own. Treatment is almost always needed. The type of treatment depends on:

  • Where the cancer started (primary site)
  • The stage of the cancer (how big it is and how far it has spread)
  • Your overall health
  • Your preferences and goals

In Grand Rapids, cancer care is provided by multidisciplinary teams at major hospitals and cancer centers, including:

  • Lemmen-Holton Cancer Pavilion (Corewell Health)
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids Cancer Center
  • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health oncology services
  • Other local oncology practices and infusion centers

Common Cancer Treatments

Your doctor or oncology team will explain the options available to you. Many people receive more than one type of treatment.

Main Types of Cancer Treatment

  • Surgery
    • Removes the tumor and sometimes nearby tissue or lymph nodes
  • Chemotherapy
    • Uses medicines to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing
  • Radiation therapy
    • Uses high-energy rays to target and destroy cancer cells
  • Immunotherapy
    • Helps your own immune system recognize and attack cancer cells
  • Targeted therapy
    • Uses drugs that target specific changes in cancer cells
  • Hormone therapy
    • Used for cancers that are hormone-sensitive, like some breast and prostate cancers

If cancer is found early, it may be easier to treat and sometimes can be cured.

When Cancer Cannot Be Cured: Advanced Cancer and Palliative Care

Advanced cancer usually means cancer that has spread and is unlikely to be cured. However, many people can live for months or years with advanced cancer, especially with modern treatments.

What Is Palliative Care?

Palliative care is specialized medical care that focuses on:

  • Managing symptoms (such as pain, nausea, shortness of breath)
  • Supporting emotional, spiritual, and practical needs
  • Improving quality of life for you and your family

Important:
Palliative care is not only for people who are dying. It can be helpful at any stage of advanced cancer, and can be given along with treatments like chemotherapy or radiation.

Palliative treatment may:

  • Slow down how fast the cancer is growing
  • Shrink tumors
  • Help you live more comfortably and stay as active as possible

In Grand Rapids and West Michigan, palliative care services are available through major health systems and hospice organizations. Ask your oncologist or primary care doctor for a referral to palliative care if:

  • Pain or symptoms are hard to control
  • Treatment side effects are affecting your daily life
  • You or your family need extra support

Side Effects of Cancer Treatment

All cancer treatments can have side effects. These vary depending on the type of treatment and your overall health. Common side effects may include:

  • Fatigue (feeling very tired)
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Hair loss
  • Changes in appetite
  • Skin changes
  • Mouth sores
  • Increased risk of infection
  • Problems with memory or concentration (“chemo brain”)

Your treatment team will:

  • Explain possible side effects before you start treatment
  • Monitor you closely during treatment
  • Offer medicines, therapies, or lifestyle changes to help manage side effects

Always tell your doctor or nurse about any side effects you are experiencing. Many side effects can be reduced or managed with the right support.

Living With Cancer in Grand Rapids

Being treated for cancer in West Michigan often means dealing with:

  • Cold winters and icy conditions – which can affect mobility, mood, and vitamin D levels
  • Travel to appointments during snow or bad weather
  • Time off work or school
  • Emotional stress for you and your family

Local resources that may help include:

  • Hospital-based social workers and patient navigators
  • Support groups at local cancer centers and community organizations
  • Mental health counselors and psychologists
  • Transportation assistance programs (ask your hospital social worker)

Support for Carers, Family, and Friends

Caring for someone with cancer can be physically and emotionally demanding. Many caregivers in Grand Rapids juggle work, family, and caregiving responsibilities.

If you are caring for someone with cancer, consider:

  • Asking the healthcare team about caregiver support programs
  • Reaching out to local support groups (through hospitals, churches, or community centers)
  • Contacting national and Michigan-based caregiver organizations for information and support
  • Talking with your own doctor about your stress, sleep, and health needs

Taking care of yourself helps you better care for your loved one.

Local and Statewide Cancer Resources (Michigan)

If you live in Grand Rapids or the surrounding West Michigan area, you can:

  • Talk to your primary care provider or oncologist about:

    • Treatment options
    • Palliative care
    • Pain management
    • Support services

  • Contact:

    • Kent County Health Department or Grand Rapids Public Health for information on:
      • Cancer prevention
      • Screening programs
      • Community health resources

  • Visit:

    • Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) website for:
      • Cancer statistics
      • Screening guidelines
      • Prevention tips
    • The Michigan Cancer Registry for up-to-date data on cancer in Michigan

Key Points to Remember

  • Cancer is a disease of the cells and can start almost anywhere in the body.
  • The original site is called primary cancer; when it spreads, it’s called secondary cancer or metastasis.
  • Cancer is common, but many cancers can be treated successfully, especially when found early.
  • Cancer is not contagious; you cannot catch it from someone else.
  • Knowing your body and seeing a doctor promptly about unusual symptoms can save lives.
  • Common treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and others.
  • Side effects are common but can often be managed with help from your care team.
  • Palliative care can improve quality of life at any stage of advanced cancer.
  • In Grand Rapids, high-quality cancer care and support are available through major health systems, community clinics, and public health resources.

If you have questions or concerns about cancer, contact your Grand Rapids healthcare provider or local health department, and ask about screening, prevention, and support services available to you in West Michigan.