| In the USA, every minute a person dies from cancer. Over 3 million have cancer, and
1 out of 3 will eventually die of some form of this disease. There are over 100 different
forms of cancer. They have different causes, cause different symptoms, and vary in the speed at which they spread. However, most types of cancer fall into these categories:
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When your body is injured for example, if you have a cut then the cells surrounding the cut reproduce to replace the damaged cells. These cells "know" to stop reproducing after they have fixed the injured area. But sometimes, a cell will begin to reproduce itself for no apparent reason. The "daughter" cells that it produces then form a growth or lump. This is cancer. Often, a cell from this lump, or tumor, spreads to another part of the body and begins reproduction there. These cells are not receptive to the normal signal by the body to stop reproducing. Eventually, this abnormal tissue interferes with the ability of the body and its cells, organs, and other structures to perform their appointed functions, and illness or death results. |
It is not known exactly why some cells will behave in this way. It is known that certain things will increase the chances of certain types of cancer. Environmental factors and diet are widely believed to be two of the major causes of cancer. Persons exposed to cigarette smoke have significantly higher rates of lung cancer than other people. Regular alcohol consumption increases the risk of mouth and throat cancers. A diet that is high in fat and low in fiber is associated with a greater risk of colorectal cancer, and is a factor in breast and prostate cancer as well. Many experts believe that what these apparently different risk factors have in common is that they increase the body's exposure to free radicals. They theorize that damage from free radicals is an important factor in causing the uncontrolled cellular growth that is characteristic of cancer. Others believe that factors such as cigarette smoking and poor dietary habits increase the risk of cancer because they impair the immune system. In addition to blaming diet and environmental pollutants, many experts link cancer to stress. Poor diet and nutrition may be indicated by symptoms of anemia which can be an early warning sign of cancer. |
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