Cancer

Non-invasive breast cancer, often called “Stage 0” breast cancer, can be a very early stage in the development of a breast tumor or simply a risk factor for future breast cancer onset. There are two subtypes of non-invasive breast cancer:…
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The lymphatic system is a complex network of tissues, including the lymph nodes, spleen and tonsils, that are involved in the immune response of the human body. Lymphatic cancer, which is commonly called lymphoma, occurs when cancerous cells begin to…
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Over 1 million new cases of cancer are diagnosed each year, according to the American Cancer Society. A common and effective treatment option is chemotherapy, which is the use of chemical agents designed to kill the rapidly dividing cancer cells….
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Lymphoma is a cancer that develops from the cells of the immune system, such as B cells, T cells, or precursor cells that ultimately develop into B or T cells. B and T cells attack germs that invade the body…
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Overview Unusual vaginal bleeding may be the first sign of uterine cancer, a type of cancer that usually occurs during or after menopause, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Cancer can occur in the tissues of the…
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Stomach cancer, medically known as gastric cancer, refers to a potentially fatal disease in which stomach cells grow at a rapid rate. The Mayo Clinic states that signs of stomach cancer include stomach pain, vomiting, weight loss, indigestion and feeling…
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Overview Exposure to asbestos, whether by working in an asbestos industry or through accidental contact with asbestos fibers, can increase the risk of developing cancer. People who worked in an asbestos-related industry for many years are at the highest risk…
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The reproductive system refers to a set of organs responsible for fertility. In women, the uterus and ovaries are necessary to bear children. In men, the penis and testicles are responsible for providing sperm. Sometimes, cells within the ovaries and…
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Healthy cells in the body grow, divide and die. As a person enters adulthood, the reason for cell division is to replace worn-out cells or dying cells needed to help repair bodily injury. The American Cancer Society (ACS) explains that…
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Overview Breastfeeding a baby provides the best nutrition for the first year of the baby’s life. Breast milk is rich in vitamins, minerals and protective antibodies. One drawback to breastfeeding, however, is that breastfeeding women need to continue to pay…
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Aldara (imiquimod) is a topical cream used for the treatment of actinic keratosis, superficial basal cell carcinoma, and external genital warts. If you are using Aldara for the treatment of genital warts, you are still capable of spreading the disease…
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They look lovely on the plate and add spice to your meal, but hot peppers can do more for you than just increase your culinary pleasure. Hot peppers contain a chemical called capsaicin, which has a number of applications for…
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Most women experience vaginal discharge at some point over the course of their lives. Some types of discharge are caused by normal bodily processes, while others can be a sign of infection. Abnormal vaginal discharge can generally be recognized by…
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Basal cell carcinomas are considered the most common type of skin cancer and are slow-growing. Basal cell carcinomas typically occur on sun-exposed parts of the body such as the head and neck, but can also develop on the trunk and…
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Cancer that forms in the cervix is usually slow-growing and almost always caused by infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), according to the National Cancer Institute. Early on, cervical cancer rarely has symptoms, but it is easily found with a…
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Overview Dozens of common foods contain compounds that influence human hormones. In theory, large amounts of hormone-affecting foods may influence the size, shape and firmness of human breasts. While many women may view a breast-enhancing diet as a promising alternative…
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According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, basal cell carcinoma is the most common cancer worldwide. Everyone is at risk, but if you have a fair complexion with blue, green or gray eyes, your risk increases. The main cause of basal…
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Radiation–also called ionizing radiation–is a form of energy. There are several natural sources of radiation, such as sunlight and sound waves. Synthetic or man-made radiation can be found in medical or industrial products, such as X-rays, cancer treatments or nuclear…
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1. Some Sodium is Vital Unlike some of the other major minerals, our bodies are very efficient at absorbing sodium. Although Americans hear the message that sodium is bad for health, sodium is an essential mineral that plays a vital…
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Overview Renal cancer, or kidney cancer, affects the kidneys, the pair of organs responsible for filtering waste and excess water from the blood. Each year, approximately 52,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with the disease, according to the American…
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Your bladder is the small organ that stores your urine. Bladder cancer occurs when malignant cancer cells begin to grow and spread within the lining of the bladder wall. Symptoms of bladder cancer may include painful urination, blood in your…
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Chronic myelocytic leukemia, which is also referred to as chronic myelogenous leukemia or CML, is a type of cancer that affects the tissue within your bones (bone marrow). This disease is believed to result from a genetic abnormality associated with…
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Breasts are made of lobules, glands, ducts and fibrous tissue, all of which are made up of cells that have the potential to form tumors. Tumors can either be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer). Though the American Cancer Society…
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The endometrium is the lining of a woman’s uterus. Endometrial cancer occurs when malignant cancer cells begin to grow and spread in the uterus. Signs and symptoms of endometrial cancer include abnormal vaginal bleeding, uterine cramping, painful urination and pain…
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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, colorectal cancer originates in the colon or rectum and is sometimes referred to simply as colon cancer. Men and women of all races and ethnic groups are susceptible to colorectal cancer,…
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Overview Hairy cell leukemia is a type of cancer which originates in the bone marrow and affects a type of white blood cell called a B cell. The cancerous cells appear hairy when viewed under a microscope. The cause of…
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Breast cancer is a tumor that develops from any of the cell types within the breast. There are several types of breast cancer that differ in their originating cell type, invasiveness and aggressiveness. Breast-cancer screening is a preventive method that…
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Radiation is a form of energy that can exist as rays, waves or particles. Radiation causes changes in living cells resulting in biological effects. Humans are constantly exposed to radiation in the environment that comes from space and the ground….
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Some foods may contribute to the growth and development of breast tissue in women. Many plant-based foods contain trace amounts of phytoestrogens, natural compounds that mimic human estrogen. Additionally, several animal products contain naturally occurring compounds identical to human sex…
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Learning you have cancer is one of the most stressful and emotionally taxing of all life experiences. Many feelings arise, often with an extraordinary intensity. A lung cancer diagnosis might present emotional challenges not experienced by people with other types…
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