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. It is one of the leading 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, or are passed down generations as a result of germ line mutations.

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Alternative Cancer Treatment (IPT) Testimonial: Carolyn was diagnosed wi.. http://bit.ly/7SBJ6i
dannygsm (Danny) Sun, 20 Dec 2009 15:21:41 -0000
Alternative Cancer Treatment (IPT) Testimonial: Carolyn was diagnosed wi.. http://bit.ly/7SBJ6i
Delhi runs for cancer and blood disorders awareness http://bit.ly/6wgLSD
GerontoLogics (Lourdes Birba) Sun, 20 Dec 2009 15:21:29 -0000
Delhi runs for cancer and blood disorders awareness http://bit.ly/6wgLSD
@omgzam RE http://ow.ly/NWub line dancing! the lyrics can be abt the harm of colorectal cancer, then make the them dance to it. FUN.
maisaraa (maisaraa) Sun, 20 Dec 2009 15:21:24 -0000
@omgzam RE http://ow.ly/NWub line dancing! the lyrics can be abt the harm of colorectal cancer, then make the them dance to it. FUN.
Support Breast Cancer Awareness, add a #twibbon to your avatar now! - http://bit.ly/1gDYXG
mami_matsuda (まみ) Sun, 20 Dec 2009 15:21:05 -0000
Support Breast Cancer Awareness, add a #twibbon to your avatar now! - http://bit.ly/1gDYXG
@ ConnieGreen http://deborahmaybury.snkcr.com/post/291281993/another-great-day # powerblog Cycling 15 days across Canada for kids w cancer
getrealistic (deb maybury) Sun, 20 Dec 2009 15:20:55 -0000
@ ConnieGreen http://deborahmaybury.snkcr.com/post/291281993/another-great-day # powerblog Cycling 15 days across Canada for kids w cancer
#omgfacts Chuck Norris' tears can cure cancer. Too bad he's never cried.
Sydni_Ann (Sydni Shreffler) Sun, 20 Dec 2009 15:20:42 -0000
#omgfacts Chuck Norris' tears can cure cancer. Too bad he's never cried.

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