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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Support Lance and #LIVESTRONG global cancer fight. Add wristband to your Twitter with 1-click - http://twcauses.com/ls/
porco930 (岩山将直) Sun, 08 Nov 2009 01:17:57 -0000
Support Lance and #LIVESTRONG global cancer fight. Add wristband to your Twitter with 1-click - http://twcauses.com/ls/
Here are just a few medical conditions in which drinking green tea is reputed to be helpful: cancer, high cholesterol levels, infection..
Graceteach1 (Grace B) Sun, 08 Nov 2009 01:17:50 -0000
Here are just a few medical conditions in which drinking green tea is reputed to be helpful: cancer, high cholesterol levels, infection..
Pray (or whatever) for my best friend grandma. She found out she had cancer yesterday. :(
itsajax (Aja Varnado) Sun, 08 Nov 2009 01:17:26 -0000
Pray (or whatever) for my best friend grandma. She found out she had cancer yesterday. :(
Friend just called to tell me she took a smoke break at a cancer benefit... only reason she called
MissMolly_DC (Molly) Sun, 08 Nov 2009 01:17:08 -0000
Friend just called to tell me she took a smoke break at a cancer benefit... only reason she called
@hayesfamof4 Noah is 5& his final stages of cancer. Family asking for Christmas cards. Wont make it to xmas. http://bit.ly/4bypZv
aflunky (Art Fusco) Sun, 08 Nov 2009 01:16:33 -0000
@hayesfamof4 Noah is 5& his final stages of cancer. Family asking for Christmas cards. Wont make it to xmas. http://bit.ly/4bypZv
People are talking about Google Wave like it's a cure for Cancer. Wait, it's not right?
tinacognato (Justina Cognato) Sun, 08 Nov 2009 01:16:17 -0000
People are talking about Google Wave like it's a cure for Cancer. Wait, it's not right?

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