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What is Cancer?
Cancer is a group of more than 100 different diseases. Cancer occurs when
cells become abnormal and keep dividing and forming more cells without control or order.
All organs of the body are made up of cells. Normally, cells divide to produce more cells
only when the body needs them. If cells divide when new ones are not needed, they form a
mass of excess tissue, called a tumor. Tumors can be benign (not cancer) or malignant
(cancer). The cells in malignant tumors can invade and damage nearby tissue and organs.
Cancer cells can also break away from a malignant tumor and travel through the bloodstream
or the lymphatic system to form new tumors in other parts of the body. The spread of
cancer is called metastasis.
What Are The Signs and
Symptoms of Cancer?
Cancer
often causes symptoms that you can watch for. The most common warning signs of cancer
are:
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Change in bowel or bladder
habits
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A sore that does not heal
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Unusual bleeding or discharge
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Thickening or lump in the
breast or any other part of the body
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Indigestion or difficulty
swallowing
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Obvious change in a wart or
mole
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Nagging cough or hoarseness
These
symptoms are not always warning signs of cancer. They can also be caused by less serious
conditions. It is important to see a doctor if you have any of these symptoms. Only a
doctor can make a diagnosis. Don't wait to feel pain: early cancer usually does not cause
pain.
How Is Cancer Treated?
Cancer
is treated with surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone
therapy, or biological therapy. The doctor may use one method or
a combination of methods. The choice of treatment depends on the
type and location of the cancer, whether the disease spread of the
patient's age and general health, and other factors.
Can Cancer Be Prevented?
Many
cases of cancer can be prevented by not using tobacco products,
avoiding the harmful rays of the sun, and choosing foods with less
fat and more fiber. In addition, regular checkups and self-examination
can reveal cancer at an early stage, when treatment is likely to
be effective.
Cancer can effect any organ or any tissue in body.
Types of
Cancer
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