|
|
|
Question
What is cancer?
Answer
Cancer is the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells anywhere in the body.
Some people are born with abnormal cells. Sometimes, changes in cells happen later. Cancer cell growth can be affected by a variety of things that go on for a long time both inside and outside our bodies.
One Disease or Many?
Cancer is not just one disease; it is actually an umbrella term for at least 100 different but related diseases, each of which may have its own set of causes.
Answered by: Suzanne Snedeker, Ph.D.
Last Reviewed: 05.03.06
Program on Breast Cancer and Environmental Risk Factors
Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine
Vet Box 31, Ithaca, NY 14853-6401
Phone: 607.254.2893; Fax: 607.254.4730
Email: breastcancer@cornell.edu
We comply with the HONcode standard for
trustworthy health information: Verify here.