In fact there are over 100 different cancers we know about today. To start, for the purposes of this discussion, let's just consider it an abnormal growth of cells which spread uncontrollably throughout the body and damage surrounding normal cells. Cancer is a highly powerful cell ager as well. The disease can actually accelerate the aging process by causing chemical changes in the body that lead to painful joints, dulled appetite, weight loss, weakness and fatigue. There will be over one million American diagnosed this year with cancer.
Some cancers are hereditary.
In fact, current researchers suspect that 5 to 10 percent of cancers may be inherited. In most other cases, the disease develops through a complex series of steps that often includes prolonged exposure to carcinogens, such as tobacco, which are cancer-causing substances. Carcinogens usually affect cells in specific organs. Asbestos, for example, increases a person's risk of lung cancer, while excessive sun exposure is linked to increased risk of skin cancer. Most researchers believe that carcinogens cause the formation of free radicals, unstable oxygen molecules that can damage thestring of DNA molecules that tell cells how to reproduce.