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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#truthis i wonder how long can u talk on the phone before u get brain cancer
RICHIEKICKSASS (RICHARD CORREA) Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:05:09 -0000
#truthis i wonder how long can u talk on the phone before u get brain cancer
Devastating news... My gramps is in the hospital with cancer. Only has a week left to live. :(
junTENDER (Jun Piolo) Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:04:53 -0000
Devastating news... My gramps is in the hospital with cancer. Only has a week left to live. :(
RT @girlphilosopher: If u voted for issue 2, ur an uninformed idiot who obviously wants cancer & will prob get it bc u don't care what u eat
Juris (James Ferguson) Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:04:48 -0000
RT @girlphilosopher: If u voted for issue 2, ur an uninformed idiot who obviously wants cancer & will prob get it bc u don't care what u eat
Elf Louise facing breast cancer with courage Source: www.mysanantonio.com
Kathryn_Brown_ (KATHRYN BROWN) Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:04:42 -0000
Elf Louise facing breast cancer with courage Source: www.mysanantonio.com
Join me growing a mustache this #Movember, do your bit to fight men's cancer: http://us.movember.com/mospace/342252 #fb
jeffwilson (Jeff Wilson) Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:04:33 -0000
Join me growing a mustache this #Movember, do your bit to fight men's cancer: http://us.movember.com/mospace/342252 #fb
Join my #Movember team as a Mo Bro or Sista to help the fight against prostate cancer & men's depression http://www.movember.com/r/19609
zoomzoom83 (James Davies) Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:03:31 -0000
Join my #Movember team as a Mo Bro or Sista to help the fight against prostate cancer & men's depression http://www.movember.com/r/19609

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