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Cancer
What is cancer?
Cancer occurs when cells begin to grow and multiply in an uncontrolled way. Normal body cells
grow and divide over a period of time until they eventually die. But cancer cells continue to
grow and divide and grow divide. Eventually, they gather to form tumors.
Why is cancer harmful?
Cancer is harmful because of the tumors that form. These tumors can interfere with the body’s
normal processes. Also, sometimes cells from a tumor break away and travel to a different
tissue or organ. This is called metastasis.
What causes cancer?
The main causes are genetics and certain environmental or behavioral triggers (smoking or not
wearing sunscreen). However, no one real knows why cancer cells grow in certain people.
What are the symptoms of cancer?
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Extreme exhaustion
Swelling or lumps in certain parts of the body
Headaches
Blurred vision
Nausea
Problems with walking or balance
More Infections
Unusual bleeding
How does a doctor know if a person has cancer?
If a doctor suspects that a person has cancer, tests will be ordered. A blood test, X-rays or an
MRI might be used. Doctors also often use a biopsy to diagnose cancer. In a biopsy, a doctor
removes a small tissue sample to examine it for cancer cells.
How is cancer treated?
There are three methods for treating cancer:
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Surgery(removes cancerous tissue),
Chemotherapy(use of chemicals to destroy cancer cells)
Radiation (kills cancer cells by using radiotherapy machines to deliver powerful X-rays or
high-energy electrons to the part of the body affected by cancer).
Because cancer is different in each patient, each person’s treatment plan will be individually
designed for him or her. A person with cancer may undergo any one of these treatments or a
combination of them.
How do you prevent cancer?
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Try to maintain a healthy lifestyle and make good decisions