Our bodies consist of trillions of cells. Normal cells are constantly reproducing themselves by dividing and multiplying to replace old or damaged cells. Normal cells grow and die and are replaced by new cells in an orderly fashion. When the orderly reproduction of cells get out of control and reproduce themselves in an abnormal fashion, excess cells are formed known as a tumor. In most cases, these tumors are benign and not life-threatening and are not cancer. However, once these cells begin to divide and multiply, they can become cancer cells forming malignant or cancerous tumors.
The cause of cancer could be due to many factors. Smoking is number one. Obesity, poor nutrition and inactivity in combination are the second leading risk factor for cancer in the US. The good thing to know is that not long ago many cancers that were once fatal, are more curable and treatable than ever before.
A memorial or honor gift is a great way to remember a special person or a loved one while at the same time helping others. Thoughtful cancer memorial and honor gifts will have impact toward helping cancer patients and saving lives.
According to a research, 75% of breast and colon cancer deaths could be prevented if the vitamin D level in the body would be between 40 and 60 ng/ml, and therefore, three quarters of deaths from breast and colon cancers could be prevented in the United States and Canada.
Colon cancer develops as a result of multiple interrelated factors such as genetics, lifestyle and chronic inflammatory conditions of the intestines. It’s recommended to have regular screening tests after the age of 50, or earlier if one has a family history of colon cancer.
Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women. Age, gender and family history are key risk factors. Some of the very important alarming symptoms for breast cancer that one needs to be aware of are mass, pain, itching, swelling, skin redness or thickness in the breast, and any changes in the nipple or discharge from it.
Lifestyle plays an important role in developing prostate cancer. Smoking, alcohol consumption, bad diet, obesity, as well as family history are all contributory factors of prostate cancer. Recommended screening tests for prostate cancer are PSA (prostate specific antigen) evaluation, and DRE (digital rectal exam).