Cancer – The Name For a Group of Diseases
Cancer is the name for a group of diseases that start when cells in the body begin to grow out of control. The genetic changes that cause cancer can be inherited, or they may happen over time because of errors that occur when cells divide. These genetic changes can also be caused by certain chemicals or physical agents that damage cells. These substances are called carcinogens and include tobacco smoke, ultraviolet (UV) radiation and some types of asbestos.
Cancer cells grow by dividing themselves more often than normal cells do, and they can also spread to nearby tissues. If the cancer is malignant, it can invade and destroy those tissues. Cancer cells can also break away from the original mass and travel through the bloodstream or lymph system to distant parts of the body, where they settle and form new tumors. This process is called metastasis.
Scientists are always looking for ways to prevent cancer or treat it more effectively. Research is under way to develop medicines that block the growth of cancer cells, correct the gene changes that cause them and help the body’s immune system fight them. There are also new ways to remove cancerous tissue with surgery or to shrink it with radiation therapy.
Most cancers are diagnosed when a person visits a health care professional with symptoms. The health care professional will do a physical exam and ask the person about their past medical history. Then the health care professional will order some tests. These may include a biopsy (removing a small amount of tissue for laboratory testing), an imaging test such as an X-ray, ultrasound or computed tomography scan and a blood test to check for abnormal cells.
The goal of treatment is to cure the cancer and help the patient live a normal life span. But if that isn’t possible, the goal is to control the cancer and keep it from growing or spreading so that the person can live with its effects for as long as possible.
Symptoms of cancer can vary greatly from one person to another. They can be mild or severe, and they can come on suddenly or get worse over time. Cancer can also cause problems with the brain and nervous system. For example, if a cancer grows in or around the nerves it can cause pain and weakness on one side of the body. It can also cause headaches and stroke-like symptoms such as difficulty walking.
There are many things people can do to help prevent cancer, including taking medicines to lower their risk, getting regular screenings and visiting a health care provider right away if they notice any signs or symptoms of cancer. People can also support cancer research by donating money, participating in fundraising events and volunteering their time to raise awareness of the disease. They can also take action by telling their lawmakers about policies that would protect their rights and the rights of people with cancer.
Cancer is the name for a group of diseases that start when cells in the body begin to grow out of control. The genetic changes that cause cancer can be inherited, or they may happen over time because of errors that occur when cells divide. These genetic changes can also be caused by certain chemicals or physical agents that damage cells. These substances are called carcinogens and include tobacco smoke, ultraviolet (UV) radiation and some types of asbestos. Cancer cells grow by dividing themselves more often than normal cells do, and they can also spread to nearby tissues. If the cancer is malignant, it can invade and destroy those tissues. Cancer cells can also break away from the original mass and travel through the bloodstream or lymph system to distant parts of the body, where they settle and form new tumors. This process is called metastasis. Scientists are always looking for ways to prevent cancer or treat it more effectively. Research is under way to develop medicines that block the growth of cancer cells, correct the gene changes that cause them and help the body’s immune system fight them. There are also new ways to remove cancerous tissue with surgery or to shrink it with radiation therapy. Most cancers are diagnosed when a person visits a health care professional with symptoms. The health care professional will do a physical exam and ask the person about their past medical history. Then the health care professional will order some tests. These may include a biopsy (removing a small amount of tissue for laboratory testing), an imaging test such as an X-ray, ultrasound or computed tomography scan and a blood test to check for abnormal cells. The goal of treatment is to cure the cancer and help the patient live a normal life span. But if that isn’t possible, the goal is to control the cancer and keep it from growing or spreading so that the person can live with its effects for as long as possible. Symptoms of cancer can vary greatly from one person to another. They can be mild or severe, and they can come on suddenly or get worse over time. Cancer can also cause problems with the brain and nervous system. For example, if a cancer grows in or around the nerves it can cause pain and weakness on one side of the body. It can also cause headaches and stroke-like symptoms such as difficulty walking. There are many things people can do to help prevent cancer, including taking medicines to lower their risk, getting regular screenings and visiting a health care provider right away if they notice any signs or symptoms of cancer. People can also support cancer research by donating money, participating in fundraising events and volunteering their time to raise awareness of the disease. They can also take action by telling their lawmakers about policies that would protect their rights and the rights of people with cancer.