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Please note prescriptions are only available in Canada and given at the doctor's discretion.

Cancer treatment, diagnosis & prescriptions

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Can a doctor treat cancer on Maple?

Yes. In some cases, a doctor from Maple will be able to diagnose cancer based on your past medical history, discussing your symptoms and by observing your condition.

If the doctor wishes to do further testing before offering a cancer diagnosis and treatment options, they may suggest having blood, urine or stool samples taken to help detect cancer causing abnormalities.

Depending on the location of the suspected cancer, the doctor may also suggest laboratory or imaging tests (X-Ray, CT, MRI, ultrasound or fibre-optic endoscopy.)

Typically, if possible, a biopsy is performed on tumors to confirm a cancer diagnosis and determine the most effective treatment methods.

Can I get a prescription on Maple?

Yes, our physicians can prescribe medications online during your consultation. Once you accept a prescription, you’ll have the option to pick it up from any pharmacy or to have it delivered right to your door at no additional cost.

You can visit our How it Works page to learn more.

What is cancer?

Cancer (also known as malignancy) is an abnormal growth of cells. These clusters of cancer cells grow uncontrollably and form masses called tumors.

There are over 100 types of cancer, which can grow in many different parts of the body. The tumors can spread through direct extension, or by traveling through the lymphatic system or blood vessels to other parts of the body.

There are two distinct types of tumors:

  • Benign – These tumors won’t spread to other parts of the body or create new tumors. They are noncancerous.
  • Malignant – These tumors interfere with functions of the body, crowd out healthy cells and steal nutrients from tissues in the body. They are cancerous and can spread.
What are the symptoms of cancer?

Symptoms of cancer include:

  • Chronic or unexplained fevers or night sweats
  • Hoarseness or difficulty swallowing
  • Changes in urination or bowel movement habits
  • Chronic or unexplained indigestion
  • Abdominal discomfort after meals
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Persistent cough that doesn’t improve over time
  • Bruising or bleeding without cause
  • Chronic joint pain or muscle aches without reason
  • Jaundice or darkening of skin
  • Sores that won’t heal
  • Changes to existing moles
  • Unintended, abrupt changes in weight
  • Severe fatigue
  • A lump or area that has begun to thicken beneath the skin
What causes cancer?

Direct cancer causes vary from one type of cancer to another, but ultimately cancers are a result of a change or mutation in the DNA of cells.

Normal cells each contain a set of instructions that direct the cell on what tasks it’s supposed to perform. The instructions also teach cells how to grow and divide.

These mutations instruct healthy cells to act in a way that isn’t normal, such as making mistakes when repairing DNA errors, allowing for rapid cell division or failing to halt uncontrolled cell growth.

Is cancer treatable?

While there are a few types of cancer which are difficult to treat, most forms of cancer cells can be treated.

Your doctor will make recommendations on how to treat your cancer depending on what type of cancer has developed, where it’s located in your body and how far the cancer has spread (also known as the stage of cancer).

How is cancer treated?

Common methods for treatment of cancer include surgeries to remove the tumor, chemotherapy to kill the cancer cells using drugs and using radiation to damage or destroy cancer cells.

In some cases, your doctor may also recommend less common methods of cancer treatment, such as:

  • Targeted therapy (using drugs to target specific parts of cancer cells)
  • Stem cell transplants
  • Hormone therapy (usually for breast or prostate cancers)
  • Immunotherapy
  • Photodynamic therapy
How does cancer start?

Cancer begins when a change or mutation occurs in the DNA of cells, affecting their internal instructions and allowing for uncontrolled division or growth.

This can be caused by genetic mutations already built into the cells’ DNA, or through influence by an outside force, such as radiation or exposure to harmful chemicals.

How long can you live with metastatic cancer?

Metastatic cancer (also known as metastasis cancer) refers to the spread of cancer cells from the original cancer source to other parts of the body.

A patient living with metastatic cancer could live anywhere from a few months to 10+ years, depending on the location of their cancer, their cancer types, and the current stage of the cancer.

Life expectancy can vary widely depending on these factors. For instance, a patient with metastatic breast cancer lives an average of 2-3 years, while a patient whose cancer is limited to a single organ or their bones could live 4-5 years.

With proper treatment, patients may be able to extend their life expectancies, and in some cases, even cause the cancer to stop spreading or go into remission.

What is Maple?

With Maple, you can start talking to a doctor about your symptoms in a matter of minutes. We’re a healthcare app for fast, convenient 24/7 access to Canadian doctors.

You simply log in, tap a button to request a consultation, and we’ll immediately connect you to a doctor via live chat or video. You can visit our How it Works page to learn more.

Maple also offers an Oncology Second Opinion Navigator, which gives you the freedom to schedule an appointment with an expert oncologist, at your convenience.

The oncologist will perform an initial assessment to determine whether you’re a good candidate for a full consultation. They’ll also discuss your diagnosis with you, your past medical history, as well as answer any questions you might have.

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Patients love using Maple

Read our social media reviews, or download the app

A fantastic way to get medical advice when you are unable to see someone in person. The app is so simple to use. Highly recommend. I am not a tech savvy person but the doctor was kind enough to patiently walk me through every step of the process. Thank you.

— Google Play Store

This app is amazing! The doctor was so professional. I just waited 1-2 mins to get served! I highly recommend this app.

— Google Play Store

The service has been amazing for our family. The doctors are kind, thorough, and ask all the right questions. As a busy family of five, this app has been a life saver

— App store review

Super impressed with this service. Without a family doctor, it’s easy to feel alone with no care. Very thankful to have options.

— Google Play Store User

So fast and efficient. A process that would have ordinarily involved a referral and a six months wait was completed in less than 72 hours. Wholeheartedly recommend Maple.

— Google Review

At 1:30 am, I realized I had a UTI and was desperate for help. I went online and within ten minutes, I had my prescription faxed to my pharmacy. This service gave me peace of mind.

— Trustpilot Review

Maple was there for me when other doctors couldn't be. So convenient. Any time, any day. I am grateful for this service.

— Trustpilot Review

We needed to see a doctor over the weekend as our pediatrician was not available. Logging into Maple and choosing from a selection of specialties was quick and easy. Excellent service!

— Trustpilot Review

Very easy to navigate Maple. It’s secure and trusted. Maple has truly gone above and beyond with their app. Highly recommended.

— Trustpilot Review

Amazing service! It was great being able to connect with a doctor from the comfort of home late at night.

— Trustpilot Review

Treatable conditions

Mental health

Our doctors are available to provide advice and treatment for common mental health conditions.

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Women’s/men’s health

Doctors can advise on family planning and treat conditions, including urinary tract infections and erectile dysfunction.

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