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[fusion_text]Most individuals have at least a general idea about what cancer is, but many of us may not fully understand just how this disease manifests itself. Our new Alli’s Journey web series will discuss a new issue each week relating to cancer, medical news, and healthy active living. Before we jump into all of that however, here is a debriefing to help you further familiarize yourself with this illness, titled “Cancer 101”.

What is cancer?

“Although there are many kinds of cancer, all cancers start because abnormal cells grow out of control” (“What is cancer?, ” 2012).

The adult body is comprised of normal cells which mostly divide and regenerate only to replace dying cells, or to repair injuries.

“Growing out of control and invading other cells are what makes a cell a cancer cell” (“What is cancer?, ” 2012). In normal cells if the DNA becomes damaged the cell either repairs itself, or dies off. In cancer cells the cell does not die off, and continues to generate more cells with the same abnormal DNA. These damaged cells most often develop in the form of a tumor, and can often spread to other parts of the body if left untreated.[/fusion_text]

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[fusion_text]Quick Facts

  • “Half of all men and one-third of all women in the US will develop cancer during their lifetimes” (What is cancer?, ” 2012).
  • “The risk of developing cancer can be reduced by changes in a person’s lifestyle, for example, by staying away from tobacco, limiting time in the sun, being physically active, and healthy eating” (“What is cancer?, ” 2012).
  • The estimated number of new cases of cancer in the United States for 2013 is 1, 660, 290. The estimated number of deaths is 580, 350 (“What is cancer?”, 2013).
  • Certain types of cancers are more prevalent in certain regions of the world. The above map demonstrates which cancers occur more frequently in certain regions.
  • “Cancer remains the second most common cause of death in the US, accounting for nearly 1 of every 4 deaths” (“Cancer Facts & Figures”, 2013)

For more detailed information visit our sources:

Cancer facts & figures 2013. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.cancer.org/research/cancerfactsstatistics/cancerfactsfigures2013/index

Understanding cancer series: cancer. (2005, January 28). Retrieved from http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/understandingcancer/cancer

What is cancer?. (2012, March 21). Retrieved from http://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancerbasics/what-is-cancer

What is cancer?. (2013, February 08). Retrieved from http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/cancerlibrary/what-is-cancer

(2005, January 28). Population-based studies [Web Drawing]. Retrieved from http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/understandingcancer/page25[/fusion_text][/fullwidth]