Understanding the Basics of Cancer

What is cancer?

Cancer is a disease that happens when abnormal cells grow and spread very quickly.  If the spread is not controlled, it can result in death.

What causes cancer?

The cause of some types of cancer remains a mystery, particularly those that occur in children. But, there are some causes doctors are sure of, such as smoking, obesity, and sun exposure. Cancer can also be caused by inherited genetic mutations, hormones, and certain viruses.

Can cancer be prevented?

Cancer related to lifestyle choices (like smoking or excessive alcohol intake) can be prevented. The American Cancer Society estimates that at least 42% of new cancer diagnoses in the US each year are preventable. Cancers caused by infectious agents, such as human papillomavirus (HPV) could be prevented through vaccination. And, more than 5 million skin cancer cases could be prevented by avoiding excessive sun exposure and indoor tanning devices.

How is cancer diagnosed?

There’s no single test that can diagnose cancer. Doctors usually complete a series of tests after evaluating the patient’s symptoms and history. Tests that may be ordered include:

Who is most at risk for developing cancer?

Age is a common risk factor. Around 87% of all cancers in the United States are diagnosed in people 50 years of age or older. The next largest group at risk is people who make certain lifestyle choices, such as smoking, eating an unhealthy diet, or not being physically active. And, men have a slightly higher risk of developing cancer when compared to women.

What does cancer’s “stage” mean?

The stage describes the size of the tumor and how much it has spread (at the time of diagnosis) to the lymph nodes or other locations in the body.  While each type of cancer has its own staging system, most follow these guidelines:

• Stage 0 means the cancer is at a very early stage. It is only in the area where it first developed and it has not spread.
• Stages I, II & III indicate a larger tumor size and/or spread to nearby lymph nodes.
• Stage IV means the cancer has spread to distant tissues or organs.

How is cancer treated?

The most common types of cancer treatment are chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and hormone therapy.  Another promising treatment that is gaining attention for its success is immunotherapy.  Immunotherapy is a treatment that uses the person’s own immune system to fight cancer.  This type of therapy is also called biologic therapy or biotherapy.