Cancer

What Is Cancer

Cancer is a term used to describe the uncontrollable growth of abnormal cells. There are more than 100 diseases that fit beneath the umbrella term of cancer. Cancerous cells can exist anywhere in the body, and may group together in masses of tissue known as tumors. Tumors, while often a sign of cancer, do not have to be cancerous. The natural aging process or certain health conditions can cause the formation of tumors.

According to the National Cancer Institute, the following are the most commonly diagnosed cancer types:

  • Bladder cancer
  • Breast cancer
  • Colon and rectal cancer
  • Endometrial cancer
  • Kidney (renal cell) cancer
  • Leukemia (blood and bone marrow)
  • Lung cancer
  • Melanoma (skin cancer)
  • Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (immune system)
  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Prostate cancer
  • Thyroid cancer

Cancer is a growing concern in America. About 4,400 new cases of cancer are diagnosed each day, translating to more than 1.6 million new cases of cancer each year. Almost 1,600 people die of cancer each day, and economic costs due to cancer are as high as $216 billion per year.

What Causes Cancer

Risk Factors For Cancer

Diagnosing Cancer

Symptoms of Cancer

Prognosis

Living With Cancer

Screening

Prevention

Medication And Treatment

Complementary and Alternative Treatment

When To Contact A Doctor

Questions For A Doctor