What is Cancer and How Can it Affect You?
Cancer is a group of diseases where abnormal cells grow out of control and crowd out normal cells. It happens when changes (mutations) in genes cause the normal controls that keep cells growing and dividing to break down. These mutations can be passed down from parents (inherited mutations) or happen later in life (acquired mutations).
Cells are the building blocks of our bodies. Normally, they form new cells when needed and die when no longer needed. But sometimes this process goes wrong. Abnormal cells start to grow out of control and keep making more abnormal cells. The buildup of these extra cells forms a mass called a tumor. Some tumors are benign (not cancer), but others are malignant (cancerous).
The exact cause of most cancers isn’t known. But genes, lifestyle, and exposure to radiation or chemicals may be risk factors. Scientists study these and other factors to find ways to prevent cancer.
Doctors treat cancer by using surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation therapy. They also try to prevent cancer by avoiding things that increase your risk, such as smoking or not protecting yourself from the sun.
Having a healthy diet, getting enough exercise, and keeping your weight under control are important for good health. But you also need to avoid things that increase your risk for cancer, such as too much red meat and processed foods (foods like hot dogs and luncheon meats). You should not smoke or drink more than moderate amounts of alcohol.
When you’re diagnosed with cancer, it can be a shock. But it’s important to stay as calm as possible and learn all you can about your condition.
You also need to take care of your mental health. Stress can make your symptoms worse. And it’s important to get help from family and friends if you need it.
Many people with cancer have other illnesses, too. These can include infections, arthritis, and heart problems. They can also be caused by medicines you’re taking for your cancer or by other diseases. Talk to your healthcare team about all your illnesses, including any new ones you have.
If you’re worried about cancer coming back after treatment, ask your doctors for advice. You should also get a second opinion if you have any questions or concerns about your care. Most recurrences of cancer aren’t due to a return of the original tumor. But it’s important to report any recurrences right away so you can get the best treatment.
Cancer is a group of diseases where abnormal cells grow out of control and crowd out normal cells. It happens when changes (mutations) in genes cause the normal controls that keep cells growing and dividing to break down. These mutations can be passed down from parents (inherited mutations) or happen later in life (acquired mutations). Cells are the building blocks of our bodies. Normally, they form new cells when needed and die when no longer needed. But sometimes this process goes wrong. Abnormal cells start to grow out of control and keep making more abnormal cells. The buildup of these extra cells forms a mass called a tumor. Some tumors are benign (not cancer), but others are malignant (cancerous). The exact cause of most cancers isn’t known. But genes, lifestyle, and exposure to radiation or chemicals may be risk factors. Scientists study these and other factors to find ways to prevent cancer. Doctors treat cancer by using surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation therapy. They also try to prevent cancer by avoiding things that increase your risk, such as smoking or not protecting yourself from the sun. Having a healthy diet, getting enough exercise, and keeping your weight under control are important for good health. But you also need to avoid things that increase your risk for cancer, such as too much red meat and processed foods (foods like hot dogs and luncheon meats). You should not smoke or drink more than moderate amounts of alcohol. When you’re diagnosed with cancer, it can be a shock. But it’s important to stay as calm as possible and learn all you can about your condition. You also need to take care of your mental health. Stress can make your symptoms worse. And it’s important to get help from family and friends if you need it. Many people with cancer have other illnesses, too. These can include infections, arthritis, and heart problems. They can also be caused by medicines you’re taking for your cancer or by other diseases. Talk to your healthcare team about all your illnesses, including any new ones you have. If you’re worried about cancer coming back after treatment, ask your doctors for advice. You should also get a second opinion if you have any questions or concerns about your care. Most recurrences of cancer aren’t due to a return of the original tumor. But it’s important to report any recurrences right away so you can get the best treatment.