Cancer can occur in almost any body part.
Cancer Notes Some of the most common cancer sites are
the lungs, breasts, prostate, colon and
rectum, uterus, urinary tract, and skin.
Cancer is a group of diseases characterized The most common cancer in children is a type
by out-of-control cell division and growth of leukemia called acute lymphocytic leukemia,
leading to the development of a lump or mass which is a type of blood cancer.
of cells. This new growth of abnormal cells is The exact causes of cancer are unknown;
called a tumor. Tumors can be benign however, certain factors contribute to its
(noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). development, including the following:
• Benign tumors grow slowly and are • A family history of cancer
contained in one area. They do not
• Smoking
usually cause death. Can grow to a large
size but rarely life threatening. • Alcohol abuse
• Malignant tumors grow rapidly and • High-fat, high-calorie, low-fiber diet
invade other tissues and affect several • Exposure to radiation (including sun
body systems. May be life threatening exposure)
and sometimes grow back after • Exposure to certain chemicals
removal. (carcinogenic, or cancer-causing,
agents)
• Hormones
• Viruses
Treatment is most successful when the
cancer is detected as early as possible.
Some of the warning signs of Cancer are:
• A new or unusual lump or swelling in the
breast, testicles, or any other part of
the body.
Metastasis is the spread of cancer to other
body parts. Cancer cells break off from the • Any sore that does not heal anywhere
tumor and travel to other body parts, where on the body or in the mouth.
new tumors grow. Death occurs if the cancer • Obvious change in the shape, size, or
cannot be treated or controlled. color of a mole or wart
• A nagging cough, hoarseness, or a
croaky voice
• Difficulty swallowing
• Blood in the urine, stool, or phlegm
• Unusual bleeding or discharge of any
sort from the nipple or vagina
• Change in bladder habits, such as pain
or difficulty urinating
Cancer Notes Some of the most common cancer sites are
the lungs, breasts, prostate, colon and
rectum, uterus, urinary tract, and skin.
Cancer is a group of diseases characterized The most common cancer in children is a type
by out-of-control cell division and growth of leukemia called acute lymphocytic leukemia,
leading to the development of a lump or mass which is a type of blood cancer.
of cells. This new growth of abnormal cells is The exact causes of cancer are unknown;
called a tumor. Tumors can be benign however, certain factors contribute to its
(noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). development, including the following:
• Benign tumors grow slowly and are • A family history of cancer
contained in one area. They do not
• Smoking
usually cause death. Can grow to a large
size but rarely life threatening. • Alcohol abuse
• Malignant tumors grow rapidly and • High-fat, high-calorie, low-fiber diet
invade other tissues and affect several • Exposure to radiation (including sun
body systems. May be life threatening exposure)
and sometimes grow back after • Exposure to certain chemicals
removal. (carcinogenic, or cancer-causing,
agents)
• Hormones
• Viruses
Treatment is most successful when the
cancer is detected as early as possible.
Some of the warning signs of Cancer are:
• A new or unusual lump or swelling in the
breast, testicles, or any other part of
the body.
Metastasis is the spread of cancer to other
body parts. Cancer cells break off from the • Any sore that does not heal anywhere
tumor and travel to other body parts, where on the body or in the mouth.
new tumors grow. Death occurs if the cancer • Obvious change in the shape, size, or
cannot be treated or controlled. color of a mole or wart
• A nagging cough, hoarseness, or a
croaky voice
• Difficulty swallowing
• Blood in the urine, stool, or phlegm
• Unusual bleeding or discharge of any
sort from the nipple or vagina
• Change in bladder habits, such as pain
or difficulty urinating
