Cancer Causes 1 in 3 Deaths in the United States
Cancer is a disease that begins in cells, which are the building blocks of our bodies. Normally, our body makes new cells as needed to replace old or damaged ones. But sometimes these cells grow out of control and start to crowd out normal tissues. In some types of cancer, the cells spread to other parts of the body in a process called metastasis. Cancer causes 1 in 3 deaths in the United States.
Cancer begins in cells that have changes (mutations) in their genes. These mutations can be inherited from our parents or happen during our lifetime. Most cancers are caused by genes that we inherit from our parents. But some can also be caused by a change in our environment, such as exposure to radiation or certain chemicals.
The genetic changes in cancer cells make them grow and multiply out of control. These abnormal cells can also spread to other organs and tissue through the blood or lymph systems, where they can form tumors. Cancer is a complex disease that can be difficult to diagnose and treat.
Usually, our immune system can keep these abnormal cells in check and destroy them. But with cancer, the cells ignore our body’s signals and continue to grow. Over time, these cells can form a mass of tumors in organs and tissues or, as in some types of blood cancer, spread to other parts of the body. This can cause serious health problems such as pain, bleeding, infection, loss of function and death.
It may take a long time for cancer to develop, from precancerous cells that can’t grow or divide correctly to cancer that has grown so large that it can’t be contained within the original part of the body where it formed-metastasis. The type of cancer and its stage help doctors decide the best way to treat it.
Some cancers are easier to treat than others. For example, some solid tumor cancers can be cured with surgery. But for many kinds of cancer, doctors need to use other treatments, such as radiation or drugs that kill the cancer cells or block their ability to grow. The type of cancer and its stage also help doctors determine how much treatment a person needs. It’s important to know the type of cancer you have, because some are more likely to spread than others. Prevention: Avoiding tobacco, eating a healthy diet and getting regular screenings can help prevent cancer. If you have a family history of cancer, talk to your doctor about how to reduce your risk. The words, “You have cancer,” can be one of the most life-shattering moments a person experiences. They can leave you feeling sad, lonely, angry or frustrated. And it’s okay to feel all of these emotions. But what’s most important is that you get the right kind of care and treatment to fight your cancer. Whether it’s surgery, chemotherapy or immunotherapy, the right treatment can help you survive your cancer and live a full life.
Cancer is a disease that begins in cells, which are the building blocks of our bodies. Normally, our body makes new cells as needed to replace old or damaged ones. But sometimes these cells grow out of control and start to crowd out normal tissues. In some types of cancer, the cells spread to other parts of the body in a process called metastasis. Cancer causes 1 in 3 deaths in the United States. Cancer begins in cells that have changes (mutations) in their genes. These mutations can be inherited from our parents or happen during our lifetime. Most cancers are caused by genes that we inherit from our parents. But some can also be caused by a change in our environment, such as exposure to radiation or certain chemicals. The genetic changes in cancer cells make them grow and multiply out of control. These abnormal cells can also spread to other organs and tissue through the blood or lymph systems, where they can form tumors. Cancer is a complex disease that can be difficult to diagnose and treat. Usually, our immune system can keep these abnormal cells in check and destroy them. But with cancer, the cells ignore our body’s signals and continue to grow. Over time, these cells can form a mass of tumors in organs and tissues or, as in some types of blood cancer, spread to other parts of the body. This can cause serious health problems such as pain, bleeding, infection, loss of function and death. It may take a long time for cancer to develop, from precancerous cells that can’t grow or divide correctly to cancer that has grown so large that it can’t be contained within the original part of the body where it formed-metastasis. The type of cancer and its stage help doctors decide the best way to treat it. Some cancers are easier to treat than others. For example, some solid tumor cancers can be cured with surgery. But for many kinds of cancer, doctors need to use other treatments, such as radiation or drugs that kill the cancer cells or block their ability to grow. The type of cancer and its stage also help doctors determine how much treatment a person needs. It’s important to know the type of cancer you have, because some are more likely to spread than others. Prevention: Avoiding tobacco, eating a healthy diet and getting regular screenings can help prevent cancer. If you have a family history of cancer, talk to your doctor about how to reduce your risk. The words, “You have cancer,” can be one of the most life-shattering moments a person experiences. They can leave you feeling sad, lonely, angry or frustrated. And it’s okay to feel all of these emotions. But what’s most important is that you get the right kind of care and treatment to fight your cancer. Whether it’s surgery, chemotherapy or immunotherapy, the right treatment can help you survive your cancer and live a full life.