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.
More on [ Cancer ]

Cancer in Dogs - Reviews the incidence of common cancers in males and females. Statistics, epidemiological analysis and recommendations.
Canine Cancer Awareness - Providing owners with valuable information and resources when dealing with canine cancer. Relies on contributions to assist dog owners with cancer treatments they would otherwise not afford.
Meta Description: [ A non-profit organization dedicated to providing awareness of canine cancer, education, support and fundraising to assist those get the treatment they desperately need and deserve. ]
Canine Hemangiosarcoma - Vetinfo Canine Encyclopedia entry for canine hemangiosarcoma by Dr. Michael Richards.
Meta Description: [ Vetinfo Canine Encyclopedia ]
Canine Lymphoma - A client information page about lymphoma (lymphosarcoma) in dogs.
Canine Mast Cell Tumors (Mastocytoma) - An overview of canine mast cell tumors from PetPlace.com.
Canine Melanoma - General information about melanoma from the Flat-Coated Retriever Society of America.
Canine Osteosarcoma - Information for owners regarding the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of canine osteosarcoma (bone cancer).
Fatty Tumors in Dogs - Client information sheet for dogs with benign fatty tumors, also called lipomas.
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For Jezebel - Personal account of a bitch with lymphosarcoma, plus a list of resources for owners.
Kate Koogler Canine Cancer Fund - Invites contributions for bone cancer research in large breed dogs. Details of activities and the story of a bitch with osteosarcoma.
Meta Description: [ The Kate Koogler Canine Cancer Fund was established to fund cancer research and to honor our best friend. Our main fundraiser is an annual motorcycle ride. ]
Mast cell tumor - General information regarding mast cell tumors in dogs from VetCentric.
Meta Description: [ Mast cell tumors, or MCTs, are among the most common tumors in dogs, with
the skin being the most common primary site for MCTs in this species. Mast
cell tumors can occur anywhere in the body. T ]
Osteosarcoma in Dogs - Information regarding osteosarcoma (bone cancer) in dogs, from Dr. Sarah Sheafor at South Paws Veterinary Referral Center.
Robin's Canine Cancer Files - Offers information and support for owners. Includes personal accounts, discussion on treatment options and links to other resources.
Meta Description: [ On line resources for canine cancer information ]
The Bosco Page: Osteosarcoma - Personal perspective on the disease and treatment, including the use of transdermal pain relief. Discussion about euthanasia and deciding on timing.
Urinary Bladder Cancer - Article on canine bladder cancer from PetPlace.com.
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