3. CONTENT
What is cancer?
Origin of cancer
Common cancer types
Symptoms of cancer
Type of cancer treatments
The 10 step anti-cancer program,
The top anti-cancer foods
Foods to consider avoiding
Healthy recipes
4. WHAT IS CANCER?
Defining Cancer
Cancer is a term used for diseases in which abnormal
cells divide without control and are able to invade
other tissues. Cancer cells can spread to other parts of
the body through the blood and lymph systems.
5. Cancer is not just one disease but many diseases. There are more
than 100 different types of cancer.
Most cancers are named for the organ or type of cell in which they
start - for example, cancer that
begins in the colon is called colon cancer; cancer that begins in
basal cells of the skin is called basal cell
carcinoma.
6. Cancer types can be grouped into broader categories. The
main categories of cancer include:
Carcinoma - cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that
line or cover internal organs.
Sarcoma - cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle,
blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue.
Leukemia - cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such
as the bone marrow and causes large numbers of abnormal
blood cells to be produced and enter the blood.
Lymphoma and myeloma - cancers that begin in the cells of
the immune system.
Central nervous system cancers - cancers that begin in the
tissues of the brain and spinal cord.
7. ORIGINS OF CANCERAll cancers begin in cells, the body's basic unit of life. To understand
cancer, it's helpful to know what happens when normal cells become
cancer cells.
The body is made up of many types of cells. These cells grow and
divide in a controlled way to produce more cells as they are needed to
keep the body healthy. When cells become old or damaged, they die
and are replaced with new cells.
However, sometimes this orderly process goes wrong. The genetic
material (DNA) of a cell can become damaged or changed, producing
mutations that affect normal cell growth and division. When this
happens, cells do not die when they should and new cells form when
the body does not need them. The extra cells may form a mass of tissue
called a tumor.
8. COMMON CANCER TYPES
Bladder Breast Cancer
Melanoma
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Colon and Rectal Cancer
Pancreatic Cancer
Endometrial Cancer
Prostate Cancer
Kidney (Renal Cell) Cancer
Skin Cancer (Nonmelanoma)
Leukemia
Thyroid Cancer
Lung Cancer
9. SYMPTOMS OF CANCER
generally occurs when cancer spreads and begins to affect other organs and
nerves. Cancer is a broad term that encompasses over one hundred different
types of cancer. Although each type has its own set of
characteristics, there are some cancer symptoms that occur in many types of
cancer. It is important to note that some types of cancer do not present
any symptoms until they are in advanced stages. This is why cancer screening
and risk assessment are vital for cancer prevention and early detection.
Symptoms of Cancer
A broad spectrum of non-specific cancer symptoms may include:
Persistent Fatigue: Fatigue is one of the most commonly experienced cancer
symptoms. It is usually more common when the cancer is advanced, but still
occurs in the early stages of some cancers. Anemia is commonly the culprit -- a
condition that is associated with many types of cancer, especially types
affecting the bowel. Fatigue is a symptom of both malignant and non-malignant
conditions and should be evaluated by a physician.
10. Unintentional Weight Loss: While it may be a welcome surprise to lose weight
without trying, it can be a red flag for many illnesses, including cancer. Losing 10
pounds or more unintentionally definitely warrants a visit to the doctor. This type
of weight loss can occur with or without loss of appetite. Remember, weight loss
can be a symptom of cancer, but is also a symptom of many other illnesses, too.
Pain Typically, pain is not an early symptom of cancer, except in some cancer
types like those that spread to the bone. Pain
- Lower pack pain is cancer symptom that is associated with ovarian cancer and
colon cancer. Shoulder pain can also be a symptom of lung cancer. Pain in
the form of headaches can be associated with brain tumors (malignant and
benign).
- Stomach pains can be related to types of cancer, like stomach cancer,
pancreatic cancer, and many others. Stomach pain can be a very vague symptom
because so many illnesses can cause stomach pain.
11. Fever: A fever is a very non-specific symptom of many mild to severe
conditions, including cancer. In relation to cancer, a fever that is persistent
or one that comes and goes frequently can signal stress on the immune
system. Fevers are commonly associated with types of cancer that affects
the blood, like leukemia and lymphoma, but are also common in people
whose cancer has spread.
Bowel Changes: If you experience constipation, diarrhea, blood in the
stools, gas, thinner stools, or just a general overall change in bowel
12. habits, see your doctor. These symptoms are most commonly
associated with colon cancer, but are also related to other
cancer types.
Chronic Cough: A persistent, new cough or a cough that won't
go away or becomes worse needs to be evaluated by a doctor.
Blood and/or mucus may accompany the cough and can be
caused many conditions. In relation to cancer, a chronic cough
with blood or mucus can be symptom of lung cancer
13. Skin
cancer
Breast cancer Colon cancer
Lung cancer
Pancreatic cancer
Liver
cancer
Bladder
cancer
Prostate Cancer
Kidney cancer
Thyroid Cancer
Leukemia Cancer
Edometrial Cancer
Rectal Cancer
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Cervical
cancer
Thyroid Cancer
Oral cancer
14. TYPE OF CANCER TREATMENTS
Cancer Treatment Information Information about cancer treatment, including surgery,
chemotherapy, radiation
therapy, clinical trials, proton therapy, complementary medicine, and cutting edge technologies.
Biologic Therapy
Bone Marrow Transplants
Chemotherapy
Clinical Trials
Complementary Medicine
Gene Therapy
General Treatment Concerns
Hormone Therapy
PDT Center
Proton Therapy
Radiation Oncology
