Cancer Education
Cancer Facts and Glossary
Cancer is the name given to over 100 diseases which are all characterized by
uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells. Normally, cells in our bodies reproduce in an
orderly process known as cell division. When cancer develops, it is because the cells in
the affected areas of the body are dividing rapidly and without normal control. These
abnormal cells cannot do the job they are supposed to do and this makes cancer a serious
and life-threatening illness. These rapidly dividing abnormal cells can form tumors which
can eventually invade healthy tissue and may spread to other parts of the body via the
lymph system or blood stream. The original tumor is called the primary tumor and is
usually named for the part of the body in which it developed.
More Cancer Facts
Most forms of cancer are treatable depending on the diagnosis and the goal of
treatment. Some forms, detected early, are curable. Cancer treatment strives to stop
uncontrolled cell division by one or a combination of the following methods:
- removing cancer cells through surgery
- destroying the cancerous cells by stopping the cell’s ability to divide
- changing growth factors or altering the body’s immunity toward cancer cells
Cancer is caused by a variety of factors. These factors may be external such as
exposure to chemical substances, or they may be internal such as an inherited genetic
predisposition to developing cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, ten or more
years may pass between exposure to a carcinogen, or cancer causing agent, and the
development of detectable cancer. Anyone is at risk for developing cancer, however most
cases occur in adults who are middle-aged or older, those who have a family history of
cancer, or those who participate in potentially cancer causing behaviors such as using
tobacco products or overexposure to the sun.
Some lifestyle habits can initiate or promote the development of cancer including
smoking or tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, overexposure to the sun, or a high
fat - low fiber diet. The adoption of more healthy lifestyle habits can aid in the
prevention of cancer. Click on Prevention
and Wellness for more information about cancer prevention.
Glossary |
