What is cancer?

Cancer is a disease that starts in your cells. Abnormal cells will divide without control causing the cells to form lumps or tumours that spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems.

Not all tumors are cancerous; tumors can be benign or malignant.

Benign tumour cells stay in one place in the body and are not usually life-threatening. They can often be removed, and, in most cases, they do not come back.

Malignant tumour cells are able to invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body. Cancer cells that spread to other parts of the body are called metastases.

Reducing your risk

There are over 200 types of cancer. Doctors aren’t sure why some people get cancer and others don’t, but we do know that it is primarily a disease of older people. A family history of cancer also increases your risk.

Here are some ways you can reduce your risk:

• Don’t smoke
• Eat a well-balanced diet and maintain a healthy weight
• Exercise regularly
• Limit alcohol use
• Reduce your exposure to the sun’s UV rays

For more information about cancer, please talk to Akiko.

-- from our April flyer