“There are more than 100 types of cancer.
Types of cancer are usually named for the organs
or tissues where the cancers form”.1

Umbrella
What may the Cancer Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Cancer/s
  • Carcinomas
  • Malignancies
  • Malignant Tumors/Tumours
  • Neoplasms
  • Tumors/Tumours

Definition

What is cancer?

DotS the definition of cancer may vary. The World Health Organization’s (WHO) definition is:

“Cancer is a generic term for a large group of diseases that can affect any part of the body. Other terms used are malignant tumours and neoplasms. One defining feature of cancer is the rapid creation of abnormal cells that grow beyond their usual boundaries, and which can then invade adjoining parts of the body and spread to other organs; the latter process is referred to as metastasis. Widespread metastases are the primary cause of death from cancer”.2

The (United States) National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) definition is:

“Cancer is a disease in which some of the body’s cells grow uncontrollably and spread to other parts of the body”.3

Types

How many types of cancer are there?

In What Is Cancer? Types of Cancer the NCI also note:

“There are more than 100 types of cancer. Types of cancer are usually named for the organs or tissues where the cancers form. For example, lung cancer starts in the lung, and brain cancer starts in the brain. Cancers also may be described by the type of cell that formed them, such as an epithelial cell or a squamous cell”.4

Menopause

Is there an association between menopause and cancer?

In Menopause FAQs: Your Health After Menopause – Q. Is There Any Relationship Between Menopause and Cancer? the North American Menopause Society elaborate on:

“A. No, menopause itself doesn’t increase the risk of cancer. Cancers are more common as people age, however. Most cancers occur in people age 55 and older”.5

Early Detection

Is there an association between early detection and cancer?

Yes. Cancer Australia explain:

“Finding cancer at an early stage increases the chances of successful treatment and improved survival”.6

Health Care Provider

What if I would like to lower my risk of cancer?

If you would like to lower your risk of cancer, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this.

In Skin Cancer Prevention (PDQ)–Patient Version: Skin Cancer Prevention – Avoiding Risk Factors and Increasing Protective Factors May Help Prevent Cancer the NCI elaborate on:

“Avoiding cancer risk factors may help prevent certain cancers. Risk factors include smoking, being overweight, and not getting enough exercise. Increasing protective factors such as quitting smoking and exercising may also help prevent some cancers. Talk to your doctor or other health care professional about how you might lower your risk of cancer”.7

Cancer

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Cancer?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Links

Where may I find Links related to Cancer?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. What Is Cancer? Types of Cancer. Updated: 11 October 2021. National Institute of Cancer https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/what-is-cancer#types Accessed: 11 October 2023
  2. Cancer. 03 February 2022. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cancer Accessed: 11 October 2023
  3. What Is Cancer? The Definition of Cancer. Updated: 05 May 2021. National Institute of Cancer https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/what-is-cancer#related-diseases Accessed: 11 October 2023
  4. What Is Cancer? Types of Cancer. Updated: 11 October 2021. National Institute of Cancer https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/what-is-cancer#types Accessed: 11 October 2023
  5. Menopause FAQs: Your Health After Menopause – Q. Is There Any Relationship Between Menopause and Cancer? North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopause-faqs-your-health-after-menopause Accessed: 11 October 2023
  6. Screening. Cancer Australia https://canceraustralia.gov.au/healthy-living/screening Accessed: 11 October 2023
  7. Skin Cancer Prevention (PDQ)–Patient Version: Skin Cancer Prevention – Avoiding Risk Factors and Increasing Protective Factors May Help Prevent Cancer. Updated: 18 October 2021. National Cancer Institute https://www.cancer.gov/types/skin/patient/skin-prevention-pdq#link/_16 Accessed: 11 October 2023
Topic Last Updated: 26 February 2024 – Topic Last Reviewed: 11 October 2023

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