The word 'cancer' is a general term that refers collectively to a long list of diseases. One thing that all of these diseases have in common is that they occur when a particular cell or group of cells begin to multiply uncontrollably, or abnormally, in one or more parts of the body which results in damage to healthy cells.
There are basically two categories or forms of cancer. The first is cancer of the blood, also known as "leukemia", which develops in the bone marrow and affects the white blood cells. The second is "solid tumors", such as sarcomas, carcinomas and lymphomas, which are localized masses of cell tissue that can develop and be found in any part of the body.
There are well over 200 different named types of cancer, within the two aforementioned categories of leukemia and solid tumors, each of which acts differently in some way or another in the body and has its own regimen of treatment. Early symptoms of cancer often mimic signs of other diseases, as well as more than one type of cancer, making it necessary for patients to undergo a series of blood tests, x-rays and other diagnostic testing.
What causes cancer?
"Scientific studies show that 80 to 90 percent of all cancer cases are preventable. In fact, by making important lifestyle decisions such as stopping smoking, enjoying a healthy diet, and avoiding over-exposure to dangerous ultraviolet rays from the sun, you can substantially reduce your risk for a number of common cancers. ..."
There have been numerous studies conducted leading to warnings and advice on cancer prevention as stated above by the National Foundation for Cancer Research. However, the fact is despite considerable and ongoing research, cancer in children is still largely an unexplained disease (which can also be said for many types of cancer in adults as well).
Studies have shown that very few cancers affecting young people are genetically caused or inherited, and while research has eliminated some potential causes, such as different types of food and food additives, to date there has been no clear evidence as to why children develop cancer.
In sum, there was nothing parent or child did or didn't do that caused the disease, and nothing that any physician could have done or advised that would have prevented it.
In the articles to follow, I will explore the various types of cancer in further detail, as well as look into new treatments, procedures and updates on cancer research as they become available.
Resource: suite101.com
National Foundation for Cancer Research, Prevention & Treatment