what is cancer?

Answer 1

Cancer is a class of diseases or disorders characterized by uncontrolled division of cells and the ability of these cells to invade other tissues, either by direct growth into adjacent tissue through invasion or by implantation into distant sites by metastasis. Metastasis is defined as the stage in which cancer cells are transported through the bloodstream or lymphatic system. Cancer may affect people at all ages, but risk tends to increase with age, due to the fact that DNA damage becomes more apparent in aging DNA. It is one of the principal causes of death in developed countries.

There are many types of cancer. Severity of symptoms depends on the site and character of the malignancy and whether there is metastasis. A definitive diagnosis usually requires the histologic examination of tissue by a pathologist. This tissue is obtained by biopsy or surgery. Most cancers can be treated and some cured, depending on the specific type, location, and stage. Once diagnosed, cancer is usually treated with a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. As research develops, treatments are becoming more specific for the type of cancer pathology. Drugs that target specific cancers already exist for several cancers. If untreated, cancers may eventually cause illness and death, though this is not always the case.

The unregulated growth that characterizes cancer is caused by damage to DNA, resulting in mutations to genes that encode for proteins controlling cell division. Many mutation events may be required to transform a normal cell into a malignant cell. These mutations can be caused by chemicals or physical agents called carcinogens, by close exposure to radioactive materials, or by certain viruses that can insert their DNA into the human genome. Mutations occur spontaneously, and may be passed down from one generation to the next as a result of mutations within germ lines.

Many forms of cancer are associated with exposure to environmental factors such as tobacco smoke, radiation, alcohol and certain viruses. While some of these risk factors can be avoided or reduced, there is no known way to entirely avoid the disease

Answer 2

That s the name given to a cell or group of cells, that have, for what ever reason, mutated into something they are not. They multiply, take up space, or becoming a part of the surrounding organs and causing the body system to malfunction, depending on what its attached too.

there are multiple types of cancer, some are very fast moving and by the time you have a symptom, then get diagnosed, its too late, to ones that are very simple to cure. Sometimes, cancer is caused by life style, but non-smokers can have lung cancer, same as someone who smokes 2-3 packs a day. There is a lot of information on cancer, so do a search and take a look at the types. The battle to beat cancer has been going on over 75 years, and some progress has been made, but not enough.

Young kids die daily with forms of cancer, like leukemia, and they haven't had a chance to live, good life style or bad.

Answer 3

when cells grow out of control.
caused by many things some we know radiation and other chemicals, irritants, infections that don't go away..some tendency is hereditary.. some things we just don't
know yet..

hers more info and info on support groups in there too!

American Cancer Society - Information and Resources for Breast ...
Dedicated to helping persons who face cancer. Supports research, patient services, early detection, treatment and education.
www.cancer.org/ - 35k - Nov 13, 2006 - Cached - Similar pages

Comprehensive Cancer Information - National Cancer Institute
Official site for the National Institute of Health's principal agency for cancer research.
www.cancer.gov/

Answer 4

A great site for cancer info http://www.virtualcancercentre.com

Answer 5

Cancer is basically uncontrolled cell production, coupled with prolonged life of the cancer cells. Normal cells respond to signals that are aimed to stop production of more cells, or to cause the eventual death of a normal cell. Cancer cells stop responding to these signals ...and therefore their production continues and their cell life is prolonged.

Answer 6

In effect, cancer is the runaway production of malignant cells in the organs, caused by an unhealthy lifestyle such as smoking or excessive exposure to certain chemicals.

Answer 7

Sorry to listen to your information. I hate to be the bearer of dangerous information however you want the tips, to not be fluffed round. There is certainly no remedy to your aunt at this factor medication will most effective lengthen the inevitable and she's going to must come to a decision wherein she needs the facet results or to revel in wat time she has left. I have certainly not heard of any person surviving as soon as it's within the liver. I no you must have desire however at a few factor you must see fact and face what's in entrance of you without a denial. I understand i sound harsh however i've lived it and no most effective too good. My Mum (who's 60) was once identified in May this 12 months with kidney melanoma. It was once an terrible surprise as she was once so healthful and blissful. When it was once identified it had already unfold to the liver and lung. She beyond away sept 7. Your aunty's melanoma has already unfold to 2 constituents of her frame, with out medication it is going to preserve to unfold and kind in different quite a lot of constituents of her frame. In my Mums case the tumours grew to be so huge they protruded from her frame. it travelled up her neck into her mind and many others. It was once essentially the most terrible factor to look your cherished one slip away. I want your loved ones the entire excellent. xx

Answer 8

An error in the duplication of D.N.A. strands!

Answer 9

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&q=define%3Acancer

Answer 10

touhid g is right