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Cancer
The term cancer describes a group of diseases in which symptoms are due to unrestrained growth of anaplastic cells (cells that grow without form or structure) in one of the body organs or tissues. Malignant tumors generally develop in major organs such as the lungs, breasts, intestine, skin, stomach, or pancreas. Cancers may also develop in other areas, such as the blood cell-forming tissues of the bone marrow (the leukemias). Cancer is the second most common cause of death in the United States, but significant progress has been made in prevention and treatment.
The basic origin of cancer is unknown, but many potential causes are recognized. Statistics show that tobacco accounts for about 30% of all cancers; natural constituents of food account for about 35% of all cancers; sexual and reproductive history accounts for about 7% of all cancers; occupational hazards account for about 4% of all cancers; alcohol accounts for about 3% of all cancers; food additives account for less than 1% of all cancers; and about 20% of all cancers have an unknown causative agent.
Almost half of all cancers today are cured completely. The survival rate continues to improve with advancements in early detection and treatment.
Ten Cancer warning signs:
1. A sore or ulcer that will not heal.
2. Change in bowel or bladder habits.
3. Indigestion or difficulty swallowing.
4. Nagging cough or hoarseness
5. Obvious change in a wart or mole.
6. Persistent abdominal pain.
7. Rapid weight loss with no apparent cause.
8. Severe recurrent headaches.
9. Thickening or lump in a breast or elsewhere.
10. Unusual bleeding or discharge.