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| Index of Diseases and Conditions: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z |
Cancer begins in your cells, which are the building blocks of your body. Normally, your body forms new cells as you need them, replacing old cells that die. Sometimes this process goes wrong. New cells grow even when you don't need them, and old cells don't die when they should. These extra cells can form a mass called a tumor. Tumors can be benign or malignant. Benign tumors aren't cancer while malignant ones are. Cells from malignant tumors can invade nearby tissues. They can also break away and spread to other parts of the body.
Most cancers are named for where they start. For example, lung cancer starts in the lung, and breast cancer starts in the breast. The spread of cancer from one part of the body to another is called metastasis. Symptoms and treatment depend on the cancer type and how advanced it is. Treatment plans may include surgery, radiation and/or chemotherapy.
National Cancer Institute
; cancer cells, however, avoid apoptosis. '''Cancer''' is a class of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell_(biology) division and the ability of these cells to invade other biological tissue, either by direct growth into adjacent tissue (''invasion'') or by migration of cells to distant sites (''metastasis''). This unregulated growth is caused by a series of acquired or inherited mutations to DNA within cells, damaging gene information that define the cell functions and removing normal control of cell division. These invasive tissues are said to be malignant. The word ''tumor'' ("swelling" in Latin) refers to any mass of abnormal tissue, but may be either malignant (cancerous) or ''benign'' (noncancerous). Cancer can cause many different symptoms, depending on the site and character of the malignancy and whether there is metastasis (spread). A definitive diagnosis usually requires the microscopic examination of tissue in the form of a biopsy. Once diagnosed, cancer is usually treated with surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. If untreated, most cancers eventually cause death; cancer is one of the leading causes of death in developed countries. Most cancers can be treated and many cured, especially if treatment begins early. Many forms of cancer are associated with environmental factors that are avoidable. Tobacco smoking leads to more cancers than any other environmental factor.
Death - A Love Story - Official site for the film about death, liver cancer, transplant, physician/patient relations and spirituality. Synopsis, awards, reviews, director biography, and credits.
Cameron Duncan - Official site provides information about the filmmakers battle with cancer, his death, pictures, awards, links, and a filmography.
New Zealand Herald: Award-winning teen takes cancer fight to Mexico - Article providing background and details about Cameron's trip to Tijuana, Mexico, to undergo alternative cancer treatment.
Belly Dancer Breast Cancer Survey - An online survey that explores how belly dancing has helped breast cancer patients through the recovery process. Includes both the survey questions that you can respond to and also the results so far.
USAToday.com - Diahann Carroll: The 'image' is everything - Article detailing the actress's efforts to raise awarness of issues surrounding breast cancer.
BBC News: John Thaw: Your tributes - Actor John Thaw, star of Inspector Morse and The Sweeney, has died at home at the age of 60, after a much-publicised battle against cancer. Send us your tributes.
"Ernest" Star, Jim Varney Dies From Lung Cancer - An obituary with filmography from The Holland Sentinel.
Seligman, Sharon - Black and white photography of life experiences, including breast cancer, Mexico, animals and kids.
Operation Teddy Bear - Fundraising for children with cancer through cross stitch and quilting. Tips for beginners, free patterns, links to relevant sites.
Victoria's Quilts Canada - A ministry that donates handmade quilts to cancer patients and facilities that serve cancer patients.