About Cancer


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About Cancer:

Cancer is a disease of cells. Cells are the smallest building blocks in our bodies, invisible to the naked eye. Groups of cells form the tissues and organs of the body (such as the lungs, brain, liver, kidneys or heart); each of these have a very specific function. Cells normally reproduce themselves by dividing in a regular fashion so that growth and repair of the body tissues can take place. If the normal function is disrupted, there may be an uncontrolled growth of cells causing a swelling or tumors. Tumors maybe benign or malignant (cancerous).

The cells that develop into cancer can be a result of foreign or harmful substances that penetrate the cell and its nucleus, damaging the DNA- deoxyribonucleic acid. Cancer causing factors include the air we breathe, the water we drink, diet, alcohol, tobacco and exercise we get, among other factors. Cancer could be a result of faulty DNA which will be recreated every time a cell divides.


Symptoms

Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. If the spread is not controlled, it can result in death.

- Global Cancer Facts & Figures: 2nd Edition