Each year in the United States, several thousand people are diagnosed with metastatic cancer whose primary cancer site is not known.  When the primary site cannot be identified, this disease may be called Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP).

While some patients, through various testing, may eventually find the primary cause of their cancer, 2-4% of all cancer patients are not as fortunate.

CUP diagnosis can be particularly difficult because cancer treatment is often structured around the location and type of primary cancer.  While some patients, through various testing, may eventually find the primary cause of their cancer, 2-4% of all cancer patients are not as fortunate.  In these cases, doctors must decide which treatment would be most beneficial for the patient using various other factors; such as where the cancer is found, what the cells look like under a microscope, and the patient’s overall health.  Treatments may include a combination of chemotherapy, radiation, hormone therapy, and surgery.  Often times, patients are also involved in clinical trials, because the most accurate treatment cannot be pinpointed.

While recent advances in technology have improved, we must continue the fight against CUP so that every cancer patient can know what he’s up against.  Every patient deserves the most successful treatment available.  Our mission is to provide information and support to those affected by CUP, as well as contribute to the eradication of CUP through research and awareness.