Basic Facts
Cancer is a group of many related disease that begin in abnormal body cells that divide without control. Most cancers are named for the organ or type of cell in which they begin.
Researchers have learned that cancer is caused by changes or mutations in genes that control normal cell growth and death. Most often this change is triggered by lifestyle or the environment rather than heredity. The potentially avoidable causes or risk factors have led to current cancer prevention recommendations.
Most cancers start small, in one part of the body. The early stage of a cancer’s growth is the best time to find or detect and diagnose the cancer. Although not all cancers have early warning signs, one should be aware of the possible symptoms which may indicate cancer. Also, you should schedule appropriate check-ups and screenings with your doctor to monitor any irregular changes in your body.
If untreated, cancer cells can break away, or metastasize, from the primary or first site of diagnosis and enter the bloodstream or form new tumors in other areas of the body. When the cancer spreads, the new tumor has the same kind of abnormal cells and same name as the primary tumor.
Treatment of cancer varies depending on the type and stage or extent of the cancer. The best comprehensive treatment plan for you should be decided with you and your treatment team.
More information:
Cancer - General Information (American Cancer Society)
Cancer (Medlineplus)
Cancer: Questions and Answers (National Cancer Institute)
What You Need to Know About Cancer (National Cancer Institute)