About Cancer

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Cancer About

The human body is made up of trillions of cells, and each cell is controlled by a very specific process to keep our bodies healthy. Cells divide and grow when and where they are needed, and when they become old or damaged, they die to make way for new (healthy) cells. 1

Cancer disrupts this process by causing cells to grow and divide uncontrollably or allowing damaged cells to survive when they shouldn't. Cancer cells can form growths called tumors that can spread into surrounding healthy tissue or break off and form new tumors far from the original site. 1

Risk Factors for Cancer

Several environmental and lifestyle conditions called risk factors can increase your chances of developing cancer. You can prevent some of these risk factors, but some are beyond your control. Having one or more risk factors does not mean you will develop cancer, but it may increase your chances. 2

% of cancer cases linked to risk factor There are over 100 different types of cancer. Most cancers are named for the cells or part of the body where they start (for example, lung cancer starts in the lungs). 1

Most cancers are caused by changes in the genes that control the way your cells grow and divide. These changes can occur spontaneously with age or from exposure to certain damaging factors in your environment. 1

Excess body weight

Ultraviolet radiation

Poor diet

Physical inactivity

Factors that Increase Cancer Risk

Four out of 10 cancer cases in the U.S. are due to factors you can control.²

If you are concerned about your cancer risk, take steps to avoid the risk factors you can control and talk with your doctor about other options to lower your risk for cancer.

What Can You Do to Lower Your Risk of Cancer?

What Are the Common Symptoms for Cancer?

You can significantly reduce your chances of getting certain cancers if you do the following: 2,3

Don't smoke and avoid secondhand smoke. Smoking can cause cancer in almost every part of your body
Ask your doctor about vaccines that can prevent certain infections that can cause cancer
Avoid indoor tanning, use sunscreen, and limit your time spent in the sun
Limit alcohol use
Be physically active
Eat a healthy diet
Maintain a healthy weight

Cancer may cause many kinds of symptoms. A few examples are: 4

Night sweats or fever that does not go away
Weight loss for no reason
Fatigue (feeling tired or weak) that is severe and does not go away
A new lump or mole, or a change in an existing mole
Nausea and vomiting
Bleeding or bruising for no known reason
Blood in the stool or urine
Cough or hoarseness that does not go away

Conditions such as illness, injury, or benign tumors can also cause the types of symptoms listed here. That's why it is important to consult with your doctor if you have symptoms that do not improve after a few weeks. Also, don't wait until symptoms become painful before seeking help. Cancer does not always cause pain. No matter what the cause, it's important to get problems diagnosed and treated early. 4

Why is Screening for Cancer Important?

Screening can help detect some types of cancer before symptoms appear. Cancer diagnosed at an earlier stage is usually easier to treat and may have a better chance of being cured. 5

Your doctor can perform the following types of cancer screenings at your next visit: 5

Physical exam to look for signs of disease, such as lumps, moles, or sores
Personal and family history of cancer and other illnesses
Lab tests using blood, tissue, urine, or other bodily substances
Imaging procedures such as ultrasound, x-ray, or MRIs that make pictures of areas inside your body

Ask your doctor which screening tests are right for you.

References:

National Cancer Institute. What is cancer? Updated October 11, 2021. Accessed June 22, 2023. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/what-is-cancer
CancerProgressReport.org. Philadelphia: American Association for Cancer Research; ©2022. Accessed June 22, 2023. https://cancerprogressreport.aacr.org/progress/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Health effects of smoking. Reviewed October 29, 2021. Accessed July 13, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/health_effects/effects_cig_smoking/index.htm#cancer
National Cancer Institute. Symptoms of cancer. Updated May 16, 2019. Accessed June 22, 2023. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/diagnosis-staging/symptoms
National Cancer Institute. Cancer screening overview (PDQ®) - patient version. Updated August 19, 2020. Accessed June 22, 2023. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/screening/patient-screening-overview-pdq
Genetic tests to check for changes in your genes. The results may help confirm a diagnosis or risk of cancer, and guide future medical care