Cancer is a group of more than 100 different diseases that can develop almost anywhere in the body. It begins when genetic changes interfere with the normal process of cell growth and division, causing cells to grow uncontrollably and form a mass called a tumor. There are two main categories of cancer:
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Solid Tumor Cancers: These are cancers that form a lump or growth, such as breast cancer, colon cancer, and prostate cancer.
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Hematologic (Blood) Cancers: These are cancers of the blood cells, including leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma.
Cancer can be malignant or benign. A malignant tumor is cancerous and can grow and spread to other parts of the body, while a benign tumor can grow but will not spread. Some types of cancer, such as leukemias, most types of lymphoma, and myeloma, do not form a tumor.
Cancer is a genetic disease caused by changes to genes that control the way our cells function, especially how they grow and divide. These genetic changes can happen due to errors that occur as cells divide, damage to DNA caused by harmful substances in the environment, or inherited from our parents. Cancer and its treatments can affect body systems, such as the blood circulation, lymphatic and immune systems, and the hormone system.
Although a cancer diagnosis can be stressful and frightening, many people can be treated successfully and lead full lives after cancer treatment.
