Cancer

Cancer is one of the most common diseases in the developed world: 1 in 4 deaths are due to cancer 1 in 17 deaths are due to lung cancer Lung cancer is the most common cancer in men Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women There are over 100 different forms of cancer

The division of normal cells is precisely controlled. New cells are only formed for growth or to replace dead ones. Cancerous cells divide repeatedly out of control even though they are not needed, they crowd out other normal cells and function abnormally. They can also destroy the correct functioning of major organs.

Cancer: Abnormal cells growing out of control that interfere with normal cell growth. Can also disrupt normal organ function. Benign tumor: Non-cancerous mass of cells. Do not spread. Malignant tumor: Cancerous mass of cells Do spread from original site. This is called Metastasis.

Carcinogens: Substances that cause cancer Examples- Sun, tobacco, HPV, genetics

Treatment Biopsy: Doctor removes part of the tumor for testing Chemotherapy: Use of chemicals to destroy cancer cells Radiation: X-rays aimed at the tumor to destroy cancer cells