What Is Cancer and How Can It Be Treated?
Cancer is a disease that begins when cells in the body begin to grow and divide without control or order. When these abnormal cells outnumber the normal cells, they create a mass of tissue called a tumor. Tumors can be either benign or cancerous, depending on the type of cell involved and where they grow in the body. Some tumors can even spread to other parts of the body. These secondary tumors are known as metastases.
Normally, the DNA in each cell contains instructions that tell the cell how to grow and reproduce. During cell division, if there is a mistake in the DNA, the cell will usually stop dividing or die. However, some cancer cells are unable to stop dividing and produce new, abnormal cells. These abnormal cells can also continue to grow and multiply in an uncontrolled way, even if there are no other new normal cells to replace them. Cancerous cells can also spread into surrounding tissues or to other parts of the body through blood or lymph.
There are many types of cancer, each with its own unique genetic changes. Some cancers are linked to certain habits or environmental factors, like smoking or exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet radiation. Other cancers are caused by genetic changes that occur over time, such as those that may happen as a person ages.
Although a cure for cancer is rarely achieved, researchers are constantly improving treatment methods. The goal of treatment is to eliminate all the cancer cells with minimal damage to healthy cells. Currently, the most common treatments are surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Radiation therapy delivers high-energy X-rays or particles to the area of cancerous tissue. It can be delivered from outside the body with a radioactive beam, inside the body using a special capsule or in the form of a pill or liquid that you swallow (called targeted therapy).
Some patients develop side effects from cancer treatment, including hair loss and loss of bone density. At HonorHealth, we help patients manage these side effects with supportive services, such as nutrition and yoga. We also offer the newest therapies to reduce the likelihood of side effects.
The type and location of a cancer can have a significant impact on the patient’s symptoms, prognosis and treatment options. That’s why it’s important to report any unusual symptoms to your doctor right away.
Doctors use several tests to determine if you have cancer, and what kind it is. These include a physical exam, blood and urine tests and imaging scans. Many people don’t have any symptoms when they first have cancer, which is why it’s so important to get regular medical exams and to talk to your doctor about any unusual or persistent health problems you have.
Cancer is a disease that begins when cells in the body begin to grow and divide without control or order. When these abnormal cells outnumber the normal cells, they create a mass of tissue called a tumor. Tumors can be either benign or cancerous, depending on the type of cell involved and where they grow in the body. Some tumors can even spread to other parts of the body. These secondary tumors are known as metastases. Normally, the DNA in each cell contains instructions that tell the cell how to grow and reproduce. During cell division, if there is a mistake in the DNA, the cell will usually stop dividing or die. However, some cancer cells are unable to stop dividing and produce new, abnormal cells. These abnormal cells can also continue to grow and multiply in an uncontrolled way, even if there are no other new normal cells to replace them. Cancerous cells can also spread into surrounding tissues or to other parts of the body through blood or lymph. There are many types of cancer, each with its own unique genetic changes. Some cancers are linked to certain habits or environmental factors, like smoking or exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet radiation. Other cancers are caused by genetic changes that occur over time, such as those that may happen as a person ages. Although a cure for cancer is rarely achieved, researchers are constantly improving treatment methods. The goal of treatment is to eliminate all the cancer cells with minimal damage to healthy cells. Currently, the most common treatments are surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Radiation therapy delivers high-energy X-rays or particles to the area of cancerous tissue. It can be delivered from outside the body with a radioactive beam, inside the body using a special capsule or in the form of a pill or liquid that you swallow (called targeted therapy). Some patients develop side effects from cancer treatment, including hair loss and loss of bone density. At HonorHealth, we help patients manage these side effects with supportive services, such as nutrition and yoga. We also offer the newest therapies to reduce the likelihood of side effects. The type and location of a cancer can have a significant impact on the patient’s symptoms, prognosis and treatment options. That’s why it’s important to report any unusual symptoms to your doctor right away. Doctors use several tests to determine if you have cancer, and what kind it is. These include a physical exam, blood and urine tests and imaging scans. Many people don’t have any symptoms when they first have cancer, which is why it’s so important to get regular medical exams and to talk to your doctor about any unusual or persistent health problems you have.