Cancer Overview
Cancer is a group of more than 100 different diseases characterized by the uncontrolled, abnormal growth of cells. These cells form a lump or mass called a tumor. Some cancers, however, such as blood cancers, do not form tumors. Tumors can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Benign tumors may grow, but they do not spread to other parts of the body and are usually not life threatening. Malignant tumors grow and invade other tissues in the body.

Sometimes cancer will spread to the lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are tiny, bean-shaped structures that filter the flow of lymph, the clear fluid that plays a role in the body's immune system. Lymph nodes are located in clusters in different parts of the body, such as the neck, groin area, and under the arms. Cells from malignant tumors can also break away and travel to other parts of the body, where they can continue to grow. This process is called metastasis. Metastatic cancer is named for the part of the body where it started. For example, if breast cancer spreads to the lungs, it is called metastatic breast cancer, not lung cancer.

Cancer can begin almost anywhere in the body. Tumors are named for the type of cell where the cancer started. For example, carcinomas begin in the skin or tissue that covers the surface of internal organs and glands. Sarcomas begin in the connective tissue, such as muscle, fat, cartilage, or bone.

The American Cancer Society estimates that about one-third of the deaths from cancer can be prevented, as they are related to lifestyle factors such as diet, obesity, and lack of physical activity. In addition, 30% of cancer deaths this year are caused by tobacco use. Stopping smoking is the most important thing a person can do to lower his or her cancer risk. Although the risk of developing cancer can be greatly reduced by avoiding risk factors, not all cancers are preventable.

Cancer treatment is more likely to be successful when the cancer is diagnosed before it has spread. For many types of cancer, regular screening tests can help detect cancer early.

Currently, doctors can screen for cancers of the breast, colon, rectum, cervix, prostate, testes, mouth and mouth area, and skin. Screening tests for other cancers, such as lung and ovarian cancer, are currently being evaluated. Self-examination is also recommended for breast, skin, and testicular cancers, among others.

To determine which tests are most appropriate for each person, the doctor will consider a person's age, family history of cancer, ethnicity, and lifestyle. People at high risk for developing cancer should talk with General Physician or Oncologist about starting regular screening.

The most common types of cancer treatment include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. These therapies may be used either alone or in combination with other therapies by Oncologist. More recent treatment options include targeted therapies and biologic treatments. The first treatment that a person is given is called first-line therapy. Adjuvant therapy is treatment that is given after the first treatment (such as chemotherapy after surgery). Neoadjuvant therapy is treatment that is given before the primary treatment (such as hormone therapy before surgery). Most experimental therapies are tested in clinical trials.

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