What Is Cancer? Why Do Some People Get It & Others Don’t?

[N'Zinga Shani]

Leave it to a child to ask profound questions.  During the month of October OneWorld focused on Ovarian, Prostate and Breast Cancer Education and Awareness.  In trying to answer the two questions above from an 11 year-old, we turned to the experts at the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society.  The answers we found are helpful to everyone who has these same questions.  We also believe that by understanding the basic information presented here we will be better equipped to further explore individual and family medical history.  This information is also a foundation upon which we can develop personal preventive strategies.

What Is Cancer?  Cancer is the out-of-control growth of abnormal cells; a cell is the basic unit of life.  When cells become abnormal they often form a tumor.  Where the tumor forms becomes the type of cancer we get. The body is made up of trillions of living cells. Normal body cells grow, divide to make new cells, and die in an orderly way. During the early years of a person's life, normal cells divide faster to allow the person to grow. After the person becomes an adult, most cells divide only to replace worn-out or dying cells or to repair injuries. Cancer begins when cells in a part of the body start to grow out of control. There are more than 100 different types of cancer, but they all start because of out-of-control growth of abnormal cells.  Cancer is not one disease but many diseases.

Cancer cell growth is different from normal cell growth. Instead of dying, cancer cells continue to grow and form new, abnormal cells. In most cases the cancer cells form a tumor. Cancer cells can also invade (grow into) other tissues, something that normal cells cannot do. Growing out of control and invading other tissues are what makes a cell a cancer cell.

Cells become cancer cells because of damage to DNA. DNA is in every cell and directs all its actions. In a normal cell, when DNA gets damaged the cell either repairs the damage or the cell dies. In cancer cells, the damaged DNA isn’t repaired, but the cell doesn’t die like it should. Instead, this cell goes on making new cells that the body does not need. These new cells will all have the same damaged DNA as the first abnormal cell does.

Taking Responsibility and Partnering In Our Own Care:  In all cancers early detection, accurate diagnosis and effective treatment are essential to success. Finding doctors with whom we can work effectively and successfully is of paramount importance. Being proactive in our own care is critical.  We should never give up.  Fear is most detrimental when we give in and not actively participate in our own treatment plan.  A positive attitude goes a long way in our recovery from any type of illness.  Ask questions; get a second opinion; gather information from trusted and reliable sources.  Eat sensible; exercise as best we can, and learn as much as possible about our condition.  Having knowledge and applying it constructively makes us Powerful and effective advocates in our own care!

National Cancer Institute: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics

The American Cancer Society: http://www.cancer.org/cancer

http://www.aicr.org/continuous-update-project/reports/ovarian-cance... -

2014 Ovarian Cancer Report (highly recommended reading)

Cancer Information in Spanish: http://www.cancer.gov/espanol

Gynecologic Cancers with a OneWorld Studio Audience: http://youtu.be/TCJ-gcGY0L4

Cancer Genetic Screening & Testing - http://youtu.be/NylgSFC6RUM

Survive Cancer! Know Family Medical History Including BRCA 1 & 2: http://youtu.be/rOUNA9OhCoA

Dense Breast Tissue and Microcalcifications - Special Attention: http://youtu.be/0YhpIB-x8kQ

Read about various Cancer Topics here:  http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics

OneWorld Progressive Institute, Inc., is a small group of committed volunteers who produce community information and education programs on health literacy, education and civic engagement.  We also find good information and post informative blogs about issues we believe shine light. Learn more about us at our web site: www.oneworldpi.org/

http://www.oneworldpi.org/health/index.html

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