What is Cancer?
According to the American Cancer Society, "cancer is a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. If the spread is not controlled, it can result in death. Cancer is caused by both external factors and internal factors. These casual factors may act together or in sequence to initiate or promote the development of cancer. Ten or more years often pass between exposure to external factors and detectable cancer. Cancer is treated with surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, biological therapy, and targeted therapy."
External Factors:
✦tobacco ✦infectious organisms ✦chemicals ✦radiation |
Internal Factors:
✦inherited mutations ✦hormones ✦immune conditions ✦mutations that occur from metabolism |
Cancer Terminology
"Battling"-To fight or struggle persistently to achieve or resist something
"Fighting"-To contend with physically or in battle
"Bravery"-Having or showing courage
"Lost their battle"-How to describe someone who has passed away from cancer
"Remission"-When diagnostic tests show that cancer is no longer present. This term can also be used with NED (no evidence of disease).
"Survivor/Survivorhood"-Treatment is over! (See Survivorhood Tab)
"Cured"-The five year mark; to have all medical treatment be eliminated and to be relieved of symptoms and disease.
"Metastasis"-When cancer spreads from the primary site to other organs/tissues of the body. Cancer usually spreads through the blood or the lymphatic system.
"Progression"-The growth of a tumor or the spread of cancer throughout the body. If cancer appears to be in remission but it comes back after less than three months, it is most likely a progression, not a recurrence.
"Fighting"-To contend with physically or in battle
"Bravery"-Having or showing courage
"Lost their battle"-How to describe someone who has passed away from cancer
"Remission"-When diagnostic tests show that cancer is no longer present. This term can also be used with NED (no evidence of disease).
"Survivor/Survivorhood"-Treatment is over! (See Survivorhood Tab)
"Cured"-The five year mark; to have all medical treatment be eliminated and to be relieved of symptoms and disease.
"Metastasis"-When cancer spreads from the primary site to other organs/tissues of the body. Cancer usually spreads through the blood or the lymphatic system.
"Progression"-The growth of a tumor or the spread of cancer throughout the body. If cancer appears to be in remission but it comes back after less than three months, it is most likely a progression, not a recurrence.