Everyday we heard about cancer. Do you know what is cancer. Cancer is a disease of the cells. These cells work to replace worn out cells, heal damaged cells and help in growth. Cells are regenerated by certain genes. When these genes grow or multiply abnormally and grow into a lump (tumour), it becomes cancer. There are two classifications for cancer:

1.Benign: generally not cancerous and do not spread to other parts of the body. However, some could be precancerous and may progress to cancer if untreated.
2.Malignant: cancerous and if not treated early, may spread and affect other parts of the body, becoming invasive cancer.
These damaged cells can also move away from the original (primary) cancer area through local tissue fluid channels (lymphatics) or the blood stream, invading other organs. When these cells reach a new site, they may continue to grow, forming a new tumour at that area. This is known as secondary cancer or metastasis.

Cancer is a leading cause of death around the world. WHO (World Health Organization) estimates that 84 million people will die of cancer between 2005 and 2015 without intervention.

There are no definite answers on what causes cancers. Lifestyle habits and recreation or substances in our environment affecting the body are commonly identified as highly possible risk factors.  Other identified high risk factors for cancer include smoking, diet, chemicals and asbestos. Cancer is not contagious; you will not catch it by coming into contact with someone who has it. So, personal health care play important part to prevent cancer.

Family history

It is likely to have someone in the family who has (or had) cancer. If someone in your family has/had cancer, it could mean:

•Cancer has developed by chance in your family (most common)
•You may have an increased risk of getting cancer
•May have an inherited faulty gene causing an increased chance of cancer. This only involves up to 5% of certain cancers.