| Cancer is a disease that affects cells of the body. | | | | When in the body, cancer can cause a person to feel |
| Cells are extremely small units that build together and | | | | very sick. Since early detection is a big factor in |
| form all living things, which include human beings. In | | | | treatment, it is good to be aware of the signs of this |
| any given persons body, you will find billions of cells. | | | | disease. Some signs of cancer include: |
| Cancer occurs when unusual and abnormal cells grow | | | | A lump in the breast or testicles |
| and spread very quickly. Normal cells in the body | | | | A change in the skin, a wart or a mole |
| divide, grow to a certain size and then stop. Over | | | | Persistent sore throat that doesnt heal |
| the course of time, cells will even die. Cancer cells do | | | | A significant change in bladder and bowel movements |
| not follow this normal pattern of division and growth, | | | | Coughing blood or a persistent cough that wont stop |
| however. They divide very quickly and just continue | | | | Indigestion and trouble swallowing |
| to grow. Normally, cancer cells do not die and they | | | | Unusual bleeding or vaginal discharge |
| clump together in groups to form what are called | | | | Chronic fatigue |
| tumors. | | | | Many of these symptoms can be from other illnesses |
| The cancer cells in a tumor can damage and destroy | | | | which are not as serious as cancer. However, if you |
| surrounding healthy body tissues. When these healthy | | | | are ever faced with any of the symptoms above, it |
| tissues are damaged and destroyed, the person with | | | | might be a good idea to see your family physician |
| the tumor can become very sick. | | | | right away. Although the exact cause of cancer is still |
| Cancer is capable to spreading to other parts of the | | | | somewhat of a mystery, it is known that cancer is |
| body, as well. It is not unusual for part of a tumor to | | | | not contagious. You cannot catch cancer like you can |
| break off and travel to a distant area. Once that | | | | the common cold. Unhealthy habits like smoking and |
| piece of the tumor comes to a stop in another area | | | | excess drinking can increase your chances of getting |
| of the body, it will continue to grow and can create a | | | | cancer, but doctors arent sure why some people get |
| new tumor. When cancer spreads like this, it is called | | | | this serious disease and others do not. |
| metastasis. | | | | |