What You Need to Know About Cancer
Unlike normal cells, cancer cells are unable to obey normal cell division regulations. Instead, they multiply and invade neighboring tissues. They form a tumor that causes health problems depending on where they are located. They can also spread to other parts of the body.
Most cancers arise from a single defective cell. But a few are caused by environmental factors, a virus, or bacteria. Cancer also may be inherited. If a family has a history of cancer, it is wise to discuss the risk with your doctor.
Each person has billions of cells. Each cell contains genes that tell it when to grow and divide. They also tell the cell when it is healthy and when it needs to die. Cancer cells are different than normal cells because they have more mutations. They are also defective in other ways. They are unable to repair DNA damage as well as normal cells. They also ignore signals from the body that tell them to stop growing. This leads to a spiral of mutations that leads to cancer.
Cancer cells can survive only when they behave in an abnormal way. They secrete enzymes that invade neighboring tissues and blood vessels, and they have different nuclei than normal cells. They also use different nutrients than normal cells. They also produce their own growth factors. This process makes them grow quickly.
Some cancers spread to the bloodstream or lymphatic system and then to other parts of the body. This process is called metastasis. A tumor can grow to a large size, which may be difficult to remove. It may also press against neighboring tissues, organs, and bones.
Cancer can be treated by surgery or by using anti-cancer medicines. These medicines travel through the bloodstream and can be given as pills or through an intravenous line (IV). They help to reduce symptoms and decrease the size of the tumor. Additional medicines may be needed to prevent the cancer cells from coming back.
Treatment for cancer may also involve radiation therapy or chemotherapy. These treatments target cancer cells by targeting their abnormal behaviors. They are often used to treat tumors that are too large for surgery. They also may be used to treat non-tumor types of cancer. These treatments are usually done at specialized centers.
There are also cancer screening tests, such as mammograms and colonoscopies. These tests are sometimes recommended based on age, gender, and other risk factors. The goal of these tests is to identify cancer in a person who is otherwise healthy.
Some people may be able to control their risk factors, but others cannot. The overall rate of new cases of cancer has been trending down for decades. However, there are some risks that are not under control, such as smoking and unhealthy habits.
In addition to these risk factors, there are other things that can increase the likelihood of getting cancer. Some people get cancer because they are exposed to harmful chemicals, such as UV radiation in sunlight. There are also parasites that may play a role.
Unlike normal cells, cancer cells are unable to obey normal cell division regulations. Instead, they multiply and invade neighboring tissues. They form a tumor that causes health problems depending on where they are located. They can also spread to other parts of the body. Most cancers arise from a single defective cell. But a few are caused by environmental factors, a virus, or bacteria. Cancer also may be inherited. If a family has a history of cancer, it is wise to discuss the risk with your doctor. Each person has billions of cells. Each cell contains genes that tell it when to grow and divide. They also tell the cell when it is healthy and when it needs to die. Cancer cells are different than normal cells because they have more mutations. They are also defective in other ways. They are unable to repair DNA damage as well as normal cells. They also ignore signals from the body that tell them to stop growing. This leads to a spiral of mutations that leads to cancer. Cancer cells can survive only when they behave in an abnormal way. They secrete enzymes that invade neighboring tissues and blood vessels, and they have different nuclei than normal cells. They also use different nutrients than normal cells. They also produce their own growth factors. This process makes them grow quickly. Some cancers spread to the bloodstream or lymphatic system and then to other parts of the body. This process is called metastasis. A tumor can grow to a large size, which may be difficult to remove. It may also press against neighboring tissues, organs, and bones. Cancer can be treated by surgery or by using anti-cancer medicines. These medicines travel through the bloodstream and can be given as pills or through an intravenous line (IV). They help to reduce symptoms and decrease the size of the tumor. Additional medicines may be needed to prevent the cancer cells from coming back. Treatment for cancer may also involve radiation therapy or chemotherapy. These treatments target cancer cells by targeting their abnormal behaviors. They are often used to treat tumors that are too large for surgery. They also may be used to treat non-tumor types of cancer. These treatments are usually done at specialized centers. There are also cancer screening tests, such as mammograms and colonoscopies. These tests are sometimes recommended based on age, gender, and other risk factors. The goal of these tests is to identify cancer in a person who is otherwise healthy. Some people may be able to control their risk factors, but others cannot. The overall rate of new cases of cancer has been trending down for decades. However, there are some risks that are not under control, such as smoking and unhealthy habits. In addition to these risk factors, there are other things that can increase the likelihood of getting cancer. Some people get cancer because they are exposed to harmful chemicals, such as UV radiation in sunlight. There are also parasites that may play a role.