Cancer what is it exactly

Cancer begins when genetic changes interfere with this orderly process. Cells start to grow uncontrollably. These cells may form a mass called a tumor. A tumor can be cancerous or benign. A cancerous tumor is malignant, meaning it can grow and spread to other parts of the body. A benign tumor means the tumor can grow but will not spread. Some types of cancer do not form a tumor.

These include leukemias, most types of lymphoma, and myeloma. A carcinoma begins in the skin or the tissue that covers the surface of internal organs and glands. Carcinomas usually form solid tumors. They are the most common type of cancer. Examples of carcinomas include prostate cancer , breast cancer , lung cancer , and colorectal cancer. A sarcoma begins in the tissues that support and connect the body. A sarcoma can develop in fat, muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, blood vessels, lymph vessels, cartilage, or bone.

Leukemia is a cancer of the blood. Leukemia begins when healthy blood cells change and grow uncontrollably. The 4 main types of leukemia are acute lymphocytic leukemia , chronic lymphocytic leukemia , acute myeloid leukemia , and chronic myeloid leukemia.

Lymphoma is a cancer that begins in the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is a network of vessels and glands that help fight infection. There are 2 main types of lymphomas: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

There are many other types of cancer. There are more than different types of cancer. Thanks to research many people are cured. How does cancer start? Cancer grows as cells multiply over and over. How does cancer grow? Some cancers can spread to other parts of the body. A primary tumour is the name for where a cancer starts. How does cancer spread?

How does cancer affect our body systems? Is cancer genetic? Sometimes cancers start due to inherited faulty genes passed down in families but this is rare. What are the most common forms of cancer? There are five main categories of cancer: Carcinomas begin in the skin or tissues that line the internal organs. Sarcomas develop in the bone, cartilage, fat, muscle or other connective tissues.

Leukemia begins in the blood and bone marrow. Lymphomas start in the immune system. Central nervous system cancers develop in the brain and spinal cord. How is cancer treated?

The three main treatments are: Surgery : directly removing the tumor Chemotherapy : using chemicals to kill cancer cells Radiation therapy : using X-rays to kill cancer cells The same cancer type in one individual is very different from that cancer in another individual. What is oncology? What can you do to manage the side effects of cancer treatment? Supportive care services include: Nutrition therapy to help prevent malnutrition and reduce side effects Naturopathic support to use natural remedies to boost energy and reduce side effects Oncology rehabilitation to rebuild strength and overcome some of the physical effects of treatment Mind-body medicine to improve emotional well-being through counseling, stress management techniques and support groups What does the future hold for cancer treatment?

Many people are living with cancer Learn more as our survivors share their stories Recently viewed cancer types Bladder cancer Breast cancer Colorectal cancer Esophageal cancer Head and neck cancer Leukemia Liver cancer Lung cancer Ovarian cancer Pancreatic cancer Prostate cancer Skin cancer Stomach cancer Uterine cancer View all cancer types Have a question?

Speak to an Oncology Information Specialist. Donate to Gateway for Cancer Research Make a difference in the fight against cancer by donating to cancer research. Donate now. Gateway for Cancer Research is a c 3 non-profit organization.