Cancer is a group of diseases involving abnormal cell growth with the potential to invade or spread to other parts of the body. These contrast with benign tumors, which do not spread. Possible signs and symptoms include a lump, abnormal bleeding, prolonged cough, unexplained weight loss, and a change in bowel movements. While these symptoms may indicate cancer, they may have other causes. Over 100 types of cancers affect humans.
Tobbaco use is the cause of about 22% of cancer deaths. Another 10% is due to obesity, a poor diet, lack of physical activity, and excessive drinking of alcohol. Other factors include certain infections, exposure to ionizing radiation, and environmental pollutants.
Cancer can be detected by certain signs and symptoms, medical imaging, and laboratory tests. The process of determining whether a tumor is cancerous is called staging. Treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and hormone therapy.
The chance of survival depends on the type of cancer, extent of disease, and response to treatment. The five-year survival rate for all cancers in the United States is about 66%.Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:
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