Overview
Cancer affects us all. In fact, in the United States, more than 1.3 million new cases of cancer are expected to be diagnosed this year*. While that statistic may be frightening, ongoing cancer research provides hope. The survival rate of certain types of cancers is increasing and leading-edge research, such as that conducted at JWCI, provides for new methodologies, treatments, and detections.
What is Cancer?
Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. Normal cells in our body grow, divide, and then die. Abnormal cells outlive normal cells and continue to grow and divide unnecessarily. When they do, a mass of tissue develops forming a growth or tumor. This growth or tumor can be benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Cancer cells also have the ability to invade nearby tissues and can spread through the bloodstream and lymphatic system to other parts of the body. When this occurs, the cancer has metastasized (spread).
What Causes Cancer?
Cancer is caused by both external (chemicals, radiation, and viruses) and internal (hormones, immune conditions, and inherited mutations) factors. Lifestyle factors (smoking, sun exposure, alcohol consumption and diet) also play a role. Evidence suggests that about one-third of all cancer deaths are related to nutrition, physical inactivity, obesity, and other life style factors that could be prevented.
How is Cancer Treated?
Cancer is treated by surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormones, and immunotherapy. Based on several factors (type of cancer, severity, location) one method or a combination of treatment methods may be used. The sooner a cancer is found and the sooner treatment begins, the better a patient's chances are for a full recovery.
Cancers We Treat
The John Wayne Cancer Institute treats many different types of cancer, they are listed as follows.
*From the American Cancer Society