Roughly 113,786,956 people in the United States are affected by cancer—that’s about 1 in 3 people. Whether you know someone impacted by cancer or simply want to learn more about it, the topics below will help you gain a basic understanding of cancer, its causes, and options for cancer treatment.
Cancer is defined as a disease in which some of the body’s cells grow uncontrollably and spread to other parts of the body. Cancer can start almost anywhere in the human body, which is made up of trillions of cells.
Tumors, which are lumps of tissue, can be cancerous (malignant) or not cancerous (benign).
Cancer cells develop because of multiple changes in their genes. These changes can have many possible causes. Lifestyle habits, genes you get from your parents, and being exposed to cancer-causing agents in the environment can all play a role. Many times, there is no obvious cause.
Below is a list of common cancer types. Cancers are typically named after the organs or tissues where they originate or by the type of cell that forms them. Additionally, cancer is often categorized by its stage, which reflects how advanced it is. This is determined by the size and location of the tumor and whether it has spread to nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body.
Cancer Stages
There are many types of cancer treatment, including options like Clinical trials. The specific type of treatment you receive will depend on the type of cancer, it’s stage, and how your treating physician decides to treat your cancer. Be willing to listen and learn and ask questions about all cancer care options.
To learn more about cancer treatment options click here: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types