What is Cancer?

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The word cancer is generally used to describe a malignant mass of cells that can develop in any organ of the human body. This mass of cells has lost the regulatory mechanism which normal cells possess. 

 

Normal cells grow to their desired size, space themselves out evenly - with a good respect for their neighbours and die when they are supposed to - in order to make room for healthy young cells to take over their function. The hallmarks of malignant growth (cancer) include cells that:- 

Growths or tumours which have the ability to invade and metastases are, therefore, called malignant tumours or cancer, whereas those which grow but don't invade and metastasise are called benign tumours. 

What cells or organs do cancers come from?  Any cell in the body can potentially become cancererous but the broad categories are:-

 


Further general information Your doctors and specialist nurses are in an ideal position to give you relevant information on your disease and treatment as they know your individual circumstances. Cancerbackup has a help line (0808 800 1234) and a prize winning video available in English, Italian, Urdu, Bengali, Gujarati & Hindi explaining Radiotherapy & Chemotherapy. Cancernet.co.uk has over 500 pages describing cancer, its management, practical tips and tool which patients, their carers and their doctors have found helpful during the cancer journey.


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