TRANSLATIONS
What is cancer?
Information for people who suffer from cancer.
We prepared fact sheet to help you your friends
and family for better understanding what cancer
is. You also will be aware what will happen when
your doctor tells you that you have cancer.
What is cancer?
Cancer is a disease of cells. Cells are basic
building blocks of the human body. Our body is
made of many different types of cells such as
bone, skin and blood cells. Our body is constantly
producing new cells to help us grow, replace old
cells, and treat injuries.
Sometimes this process can be disrupted and the
cell becomes abnormal. The abnormal cell begins
to divide, giving rise to more abnormal cells.
Abnormal cells can come together to form a lump
called a tumor. There are two types of tumors:
Benign tumors are not cancer. They do not
spread to other parts of the body.
Malignant tumors are cancer. They can spread to
other parts of the body.
Where can cancer start?
Since our bodies are made of cells, cancer can
develop anywhere in the body. The most
common places for cancer to develop are the
skin, intestines, breast, prostate, and lungs.
The place where the cancer first starts to grow is
called the "primary cancer". Sometimes doctors
cannot identify where the cancer first started.
This case is called "cancer of unknown
origin/cancer whose primary site is unknown".
Can cancer spread?
Sometimes cancer cells move to other parts of
the body. When this happens, we say that the
cancer has spread.
Cancer that has spread and developed into a
tumor in another part of the body is called
'secondary cancer' or metastasis.
How can you get cancer?
Anyone can get cancer. Some things create
additional risk factors and contribute to the
potential for getting cancer:
• aging (half of all cancers are diagnosed in
people aged 75 and 75+);
• smoking;
• excessive alcohol consumption;
• lack of physical activity;
• consumption of unhealthy food;
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overweight;
Excessive sun exposure;
спадковість;
certain chemicals and asbestos;
certain viruses, such as human
papillomavirus (sexually transmitted).
Injuries or stress do not cause cancer.
How common and usual is cancer?
Cancer is quite common. Many cases of cancer
can be cured by a doctor if they are diagnosed
early.
It is very important to participate in cancer
detection programs. Breast, intestinal, and
cervical screenings save lives because cancer can
be detected earlier, when it is easier to treat.
How is cancer detected (diagnosed)?
Sometimes doctors find cancer because a person
feels unwell and has certain symptoms.
We can also identify cancer during routine
checkups. This is when you have tests to check
your health
It is important to know what is normal for your
body; and to see a doctor immediately if you
notice the following changes:
• Lumps, tumors, wounds or ulcers that do
not heal;
• Changes in the breast;
• Swelling;
• Thickened areas;
• Unusual nipple discharge;
• A nipple that has curled up inside;
• Change of shape or color;
• Pain;
• Skin changes: moles can change size,
shape, or color, or start bleeding;
• Cough that does not go away;
• Difficulty breathing or changes in voice;
• Lose weight without special efforts;
• Nausea or vomiting that does not go
away;
• Diarrhea or constipation that does not go
away and cannot be explained
• For women, abnormal vaginal bleeding;
or a few drops between periods or after
menopause;
• Blood in the stool or urine;
• Unexplained pain in the body that does
not disappear.
Many of these symptoms may be caused by other
health problems rather than cancer. You should
see your doctor if you experience any changes in
your body, especially if they persist.