When you are first diagnosed with cancer, you will most likely feel shocked, overwhelmed, and afraid. The best way to deal with these feelings is to get as much information as you can to make informed decisions about your cancer treatment. Very few cancers require emergency treatment, so you have time to learn about your cancer, your cancer treatment options, and get a second opinion if you desire.
At Palo Verde Cancer Specialists, we want to help address some of your initial questions about cancer. Our oncology clinic will work with you every step of the way to explore your options and decide on your treatment.
What is Cancer?
Cancer is not one disease, but many diseases that occur in different areas of the body. Each type of cancer is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of cells. Under normal conditions, cell reproduction is carefully controlled by the body. However, these controls can malfunction, resulting in abnormal cell growth and the development of a lump, mass, or tumor. Some cancers involving the blood and blood-forming organs do not form tumors but circulate through other tissues where they grow.
A tumor may be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Cells from cancerous tumors can spread throughout the body. This process, called metastasis, occurs when cancer cells break away from the original tumor and travel in the circulatory or lymphatic systems until they are lodged in a small capillary network in another area of the body. Common locations of metastasis are the bones, lungs, liver, and central nervous system.
The type of cancer refers to the organ or area of the body where the disease first occurred. Cancer that has metastasized to other areas of the body is named for the part of the body where it originated. For example, if breast cancer has spread to the bones, it is called “metastatic breast cancer” not bone cancer.
Why Do People Get Cancer?
Although every patient and family member wants to know the answer to this question, the reason people develop cancer is not well understood. There are some known carcinogens (materials that can cause cancer), but many are still undiscovered. We do not understand why some people exposed to carcinogens get cancer, and others do not. The length and amount of exposure are believed to affect the chances of developing a cancer disease. For example, as exposure to cigarette smoking increases, the chance of developing lung cancer also increases. Genetics also plays an important role in whether an individual develops cancer. For example, certain types of breast cancer have a genetic component.
Contact Palo Verde Cancer Specialists Today
If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, the entire team at Palo Verdes Cancer Specialists is prepared to help you do everything to beat it. All five of our oncology centers are equipped with the latest in cutting-edge cancer treatment technology, as well as compassionate care that is second to none. If you’d like to learn more about our cancer center, our services, and our medical team, contact us to schedule a consultation. Together, we will work to overcome cancer.
