What Is Cancer? – A Short Overview Of Cancer In The Human Body
Cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells divide without control and are able to invade other tissues. Cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems.
There are more than 100 different types of cancer. Most cancers are named for the organ or type of cell in which they start – for example, cancer that begins in the colon is called colon cancer; cancer that begins in melanocytes of the skin is called melanoma.
Every cell in our body contains DNA. It carries our genetic code and contains the instructions for all the cell’s actions.
If the DNA inside cells is damaged, these instructions go wrong. In fact damage to the DNA or “mutations” as they are known, constantly occur in our cells as they divide and reproduce. Most of the time, the cells recognise that a mutation has occurred and repair the DNA, or self-destruct and die.
When a number of mutations have occurred in the DNA of a cell, control of cell growth may be lost and the cells do not die. Instead they start to follow abnormal instructions that make them reproduce and grow, producing more and more of these mutated cells – this is the start of a cancer.
Many factors such as smoking or too much exposure to the sun can also trigger DNA damage – leading to a faster accumulation of the mutations which lead to cancer.
A family history of cancer can also increase chances of getting the disease, because it usually means that person starts their life already having inherited some of the DNA mutations that take them down the path to cancer.
Even when in remission, those who have had the disease have a higher risk of it developing again. In most cases however, the exact cause or sequence of events by which cancer develops, is not yet known
Cancer Statistics
A recent study suggests that by 2020 nearly half the UK population will get cancer during their lifetime.
A statement by macmillan cancer support said the projected figure of 47% would put huge pressure on the NHS.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-22796220
- An estimated 12.7 million new cancer cases were diagnosed worldwide in 2008.
- Lung, female breast, colorectal and stomach cancers were the most commonly diagnosed cancers, accounting for more than 40% of all cases.
- Worldwide, an estimated 7.6 million deaths from cancer occurred in 2008.
- Lung, stomach, liver, colorectal and female breast cancers were the most common causes, accounting for more than half of all cancer deaths.
Taken From Cancer Research UK
http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/cancer-info/cancerstats/world/cancer-worldwide-the-global-picture
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Cancer/Pages/Introduction.aspx
Cancer Incidence & Mortality Table 2010
Cancer incidence and mortality rates in the UK
Click Here