Cancer cells are cells which no longer adhere to the normal regulations which control cell reproduction and proliferation. The term "cancer" refers to more than 100 forms of diseases which share certain key commonalties. All cancer cells are able to become malignant and possess the ability to migrate to other areas of the body, invading nearby tissues and forming tumors at distant sites in the body. The ability to become malignant arises through an accumulation of mutations in specific genes within the cell, namely proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. In order for a cell to become a cancerous cell, mutations must occur in at least six of the founding cells growth controlling genes.
Presently 1 out of every 5 deaths in the U.S. are caused by cancers. Females have a 33% chance of developing cancer in their lifetime compared to males who have a 50% risk of developing cancer during the course of their lives. However, due to increased research and treatments, today the survival rate for people living with cancer is more than 50% compared to a rate of 33% which existed 30 years ago. Women with cancer most commonly suffer from Breast Cancer (30%), Cancer of the Lung & Bronchus (13%), and Cancer of the Colon & the Rectum (11%). The three most common cancer men are afflicted with are Prostrate Cancer (43%), Cancer of the Lung & Bronchus (13%), and Cancer of the Colon & Rectum (8%).
*Rates are per 100,000 and are age-adjusted to the 1970 US standard population. Note: Due
to changes in ICD coding, numerator information has changed over time. Rates for cancers
of the liver, lung, and colon and rectum are affected by these coding changes. American
Cancer Society, Surveillance Research, 1998. Data source: Vital Statistics of the United
States, 1997. ©1998, American Cancer Society, Inc.
*Rates are per 100,000 and are age-adjusted to the 1970 US standard
population. Note: Due to changes in ICD coding, numerator information has changed over
time. Rates for cancers of the liver, lung, and colon and rectum are affected by these
coding changes. American Cancer Society, Surveillance Research, 1998. Data source: Vital
Statistics of the United States, 1997. ©1998, American Cancer Society, Inc.
There are a number of factors which play a role in the development of cancers. Researchers have been able to identify certain chemicals which upon repeated exposure may bring about cellular damage leading to cancers. The mechanism of how this occurs is still being investigated. What is known is that a number of chemicals such as those found in Tobacco smoke, inherited genes and some inherited physiological traits contribute to the development of cancers. A number of factors are discussed below.
Early detection is crucial for successful treatment of cancers. The difference in survival for diagnosis at a localized stage vs. regional and distant metastasis can be dramatic for certain cancers. For localized cancers, surgery and/or radiation are usually used to remove and kill the diseased tissue. For cases where metastasis has occurred, a number of options are available.
Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill the tumor cells by inhibiting their ability to replicate. This involves disrupting production of essential enzymes, inhibiting DNA, RNA and protein synthesis, and preventing cell mitosis.Immunotherapy involves strengthening the patients natural immune response against the tumor so that it can more effectively combat the cancer.