Cancer is a class of diseases or disorders characterized by uncontrolled division of cells and the ability of these cells to invade other tissues, either by direct growth into adjacent tissue through invasion or by implantation into distant sites by metastasis. Metastasis is defined as the stage in which cancer cells are transported through the bloodstream or lymphatic system. Cancer may affect people at all ages, but risk tends to increase with age. It is one of the leading causes of death in developed countries.

There are many types of cancer. Severity of symptoms depends on the site and character of the malignancy and whether there is metastasis. A definitive diagnosis usually requires the histologic examination of tissue by a pathologist. This tissue is obtained by biopsy or surgery. Most cancers can be treated and some cured, depending on the specific type, location, and stage. Once diagnosed, cancer is usually treated with a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. As research develops, treatments are becoming more specific for the type of cancer pathology. Drugs that target specific cancers already exist for several cancers. If untreated, cancers may eventually cause illness and death, though this is not always the case.

The unregulated growth that characterizes cancer is caused by damage to DNA, resulting in mutations to genes that encode for proteins controlling cell division. Many mutation events may be required to transform a normal cell into a malignant cell. These mutations can be caused by chemicals or physical agents called carcinogens, by close exposure to radioactive materials, or by certain viruses that can insert their DNA into the human genome. Mutations occur spontaneously, or are passed down generations as a result of germ line mutations.

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RT @MikesPetCare: Chance of a k9 getting mammary cancer is .05% b4 1st heat.If you wait till 1st, its 8%.if you wait till 2nd, it jumps ...
knvet (Keith Niesenbaum) Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:42:16 -0000
RT @MikesPetCare: Chance of a k9 getting mammary cancer is .05% b4 1st heat.If you wait till 1st, its 8%.if you wait till 2nd, it jumps ...
RT @NIHforHealth: Research Matters: Cancer Rate Declines Highlight Potential for Improvement http://bit.ly/6yezpM
PulmonaryReview (Pulmonary Reviews) Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:42:16 -0000
RT @NIHforHealth: Research Matters: Cancer Rate Declines Highlight Potential for Improvement http://bit.ly/6yezpM
@Kolo_Martin ...it ain't cancer!!! It does not threaten her life, but it causes this awful pain and it takes over the inner organs!!! That's
schnille (Herr Schnille) Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:42:10 -0000
@Kolo_Martin ...it ain't cancer!!! It does not threaten her life, but it causes this awful pain and it takes over the inner organs!!! That's
AWW ILL BE PRAYING FOR HER! RT @ImmaQUElate: After 3-years of thinkin she won the battle, my moms breast cancer has returned. FML.
ImSoLOYAL (Becky Williams) Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:42:04 -0000
AWW ILL BE PRAYING FOR HER! RT @ImmaQUElate: After 3-years of thinkin she won the battle, my moms breast cancer has returned. FML.
Does loneliness raise breast cancer risk?: Times Online ... the disease as a challenge rather than a burden — b.. http://bit.ly/4AAJRr
RelationHoncho (John Relation) Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:42:02 -0000
Does loneliness raise breast cancer risk?: Times Online ... the disease as a challenge rather than a burden — b.. http://bit.ly/4AAJRr
RT @DanaFarber: Antibody-guided drug shows encouraging activity in metastatic breast cancer http://cli.gs/sXrWzp
ae_cancercenter (AE Cancer Center) Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:41:45 -0000
RT @DanaFarber: Antibody-guided drug shows encouraging activity in metastatic breast cancer http://cli.gs/sXrWzp

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