CANCER HAZARD

Cancer is a class of diseases characterized by cell division and the ability to control these cells to invade other biological networks, either by direct growth in adjacent tissue (invasion) or by cell migration to distant places (metastasis). Uncontrolled growth is caused by damage to DNA, causing mutations in vital genes that control cell division. Several mutations may be required to change normal cells into cancer cells. These mutations are often caused by chemical or physical agents called carcinogens. Mutations can occur spontaneously (obtained) or inherited (germline mutations). Cancer can cause many different symptoms, depending on the location and character of the malignancy and whether there is metastasis. A decisive diagnosis usually requires microscopic examination of tissue obtained by biopsy. Once diagnosed, cancer is usually treated with surgery, chemotherapy and / or radiation.

If untreated, most cancers cause death; cancer is one of the main causes of death in developing countries. Most cancers can be treated and many cured, especially if treatment started early. Many forms of cancer associated with environmental factors that could have been avoided. Smoking tobacco can cause cancers of many other environmental factors.