A diagnosis of cancer can be devastating. The good news is that many forms of cancer can be avoided, and with early detection, a great number can be cured. These diseases are all characterized by an abnormal and unregulated growth of cells. This growth destroys surrounding body tissues and may spread to other parts of the body in a process that is known as metastasis . There are many others as well.
Cancer can develop anywhere in the body, and at any age.
Cells affected by cancer are called malignant cells . You may know someone who has had cancer, and his or her hair fell out during treatment. When cells divide at an accelerated rate, they often begin to form a mass of tissue called a tumor . This factor stimulates the growth of an independent blood supply to the tumor. Tumors can also release substances that destroy tissues in close proximity to them.