How Does Cancer Start?
Cancer is a disease that is caused by an uncontrolled proliferation of abnormal cells. It can begin anywhere in the body. Usually it begins in a primary site, but cancer can also spread to other parts of the body.
There are over a hundred different types of cancer. Some of them, like breast, lung and prostate cancers, are solid tumors. Others, such as melanomas and skin cancers, are not.
In the United States, one in three people will get cancer at some point in their lifetime. The burden on the health care system, on individuals and families, and on communities is enormous. To combat this, new cancer treatments are being developed. These may include drugs that help the immune system fight the disease. They may also correct genetic defects that lead to cancer.
One of the most common causes of cancer is exposure to chemicals. The chemicals, known as carcinogens, cause mutations in the genes of healthy cells. This creates a cell’s blueprint that doesn’t work properly. When this occurs, it triggers a chain reaction of faulty cells, leading to the formation of cancer.
Another way that cancer can start is through a virus. Many viruses, including the herpes virus, can cause cancer. However, there are many other factors that can contribute to the development of the disease.
In addition to genes, lifestyle habits can also play a role in the development of cancer. For example, smoking and exposure to tobacco, asbestos, and ultraviolet radiation can all increase the risk of developing cancer.
Cancer is an ongoing process, driving progression towards more invasive stages. Once it is diagnosed, treatment often involves surgery and chemotherapy. While some forms of cancer can be treated successfully, others aren’t. As the disease progresses, it can result in secondary cancers, which can interfere with the function of the body.
The best way to diagnose a cancer is to biopsy a small sample of tissue. If you are worried that you have cancer, you should tell your doctor as soon as possible. Having the diagnosis early can make it easier to receive treatment. Other tests, such as mammography and colonoscopy, can be used to detect cancer in people who are otherwise healthy.
Cancer cells travel through the bloodstream and lymphatic system. When they reach other parts of the body, they can break off from the original tumor. These cancer cells can then invade the surrounding tissues, and if they are strong enough, they can even grow into a new tumor.
Fortunately, there are many ways to treat and cure cancer. Treatment can involve a variety of methods, from surgery and chemotherapy to targeted treatments and designer drugs. Depending on the cancer type, the patient’s age, and the location of the tumor, one method may work for a particular individual.
Cancer is a life-changing experience, so be sure to tell your doctor if you notice a major change. Early detection is the key to surviving the disease.
Cancer is a disease that is caused by an uncontrolled proliferation of abnormal cells. It can begin anywhere in the body. Usually it begins in a primary site, but cancer can also spread to other parts of the body. There are over a hundred different types of cancer. Some of them, like breast, lung and prostate cancers, are solid tumors. Others, such as melanomas and skin cancers, are not. In the United States, one in three people will get cancer at some point in their lifetime. The burden on the health care system, on individuals and families, and on communities is enormous. To combat this, new cancer treatments are being developed. These may include drugs that help the immune system fight the disease. They may also correct genetic defects that lead to cancer. One of the most common causes of cancer is exposure to chemicals. The chemicals, known as carcinogens, cause mutations in the genes of healthy cells. This creates a cell’s blueprint that doesn’t work properly. When this occurs, it triggers a chain reaction of faulty cells, leading to the formation of cancer. Another way that cancer can start is through a virus. Many viruses, including the herpes virus, can cause cancer. However, there are many other factors that can contribute to the development of the disease. In addition to genes, lifestyle habits can also play a role in the development of cancer. For example, smoking and exposure to tobacco, asbestos, and ultraviolet radiation can all increase the risk of developing cancer. Cancer is an ongoing process, driving progression towards more invasive stages. Once it is diagnosed, treatment often involves surgery and chemotherapy. While some forms of cancer can be treated successfully, others aren’t. As the disease progresses, it can result in secondary cancers, which can interfere with the function of the body. The best way to diagnose a cancer is to biopsy a small sample of tissue. If you are worried that you have cancer, you should tell your doctor as soon as possible. Having the diagnosis early can make it easier to receive treatment. Other tests, such as mammography and colonoscopy, can be used to detect cancer in people who are otherwise healthy. Cancer cells travel through the bloodstream and lymphatic system. When they reach other parts of the body, they can break off from the original tumor. These cancer cells can then invade the surrounding tissues, and if they are strong enough, they can even grow into a new tumor. Fortunately, there are many ways to treat and cure cancer. Treatment can involve a variety of methods, from surgery and chemotherapy to targeted treatments and designer drugs. Depending on the cancer type, the patient’s age, and the location of the tumor, one method may work for a particular individual. Cancer is a life-changing experience, so be sure to tell your doctor if you notice a major change. Early detection is the key to surviving the disease.