Lymphedema : Risk Factors
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Axillary dissection is a surgical procedure that incises (opens) the armpit (axilla or axillary) to identify, examine, or remove lymph nodes (small glands, part of the lymphatic system, which filters cellular fluids). Purpose Axillary dissection is utilized to stage breast cancer in order to determine the necessity of further treatment based on cancer cell spread.
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Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in American women, accounting for approximately 30 percent of their new cancer cases. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, following lung cancer.
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Breast cancer is a cancer that starts in the tissues of the breast. There are two main types of breast cancer: Ductal carcinoma starts in the tubes (ducts) that move milk from the breast to the nipple. Most breast cancers are of this type; Lobular carcinoma starts in parts of the breast, called lobules, that produce milk. In rare cases, breast cancer can start in other areas of the breast. Many breast cancers are sensitive to the hormone estrogen. This means that estrogen causes the breast cancer tumor to grow. Such cancer is called estrogen receptor positive cancer or ER positive cancer. Some women have what's called HER2-positive breast cancer. HER2 refers to a gene that helps cells grow, divide, and repair themselves. When cells have too many copies of this gene, cells - including cancer cells - grow faster. Experts think that women with HER2-positive breast cancer have a more aggressive disease and a higher risk of recurrence than those who do not have this type.
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Noninvasive breast cancer occurs when cancer cells are only in the ducts. Invasive breast cancer occurs when abnormal cells move out of the ducts or lobules into the surrounding breast tissue.
Metastasis occurs when cancer cells move into the lymph nodes or bloodstream and travel to another part of the body.
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Breast cancer is the abnormal growth and uncontrolled division of cells in the breast. Cancer cells invade and destroy surrounding normal tissue, and can spread throughout the body via blood or lymph fluid (clear fluid bathing body cells) to start a new cancer in another part of the body.
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Detailed information on breast cancer, including the difference between benign and malignant tumors and the most common types of breast cancer
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With so much information out there about breast cancer, sometimes it's difficult to separate myth from reality.
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Breast cancer is caused by the development of malignant cells in the breast. The malignant cells originate in the lining of the milk glands or ducts of the breast (ductal epithelium), defining this malignancy as a cancer.
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Expert-reviewed information summary about tests used to detect or screen for breast cancer.
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Breast cancer mortality rates are declining, while the five-year survival rate is climbing. The decline in breast cancer deaths can be attributed to a number of factors.
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What Is Breast Cancer?Breast cancer is cancer that begins in the breast.
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Understanding Your Type of Breast CancerTheductsand thelobulesare the two structures of the breast where cancer is most likely to occur. Your doctor can look under a microscope at the cancer cells that were collected during your biopsy to determin...
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Expert-reviewed information summary about factors that may increase the risk of developing breast cancer and about research aimed at the prevention of this disease.
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Breast cancer is a disease in which abnormal breast cells begin to grow uncontrollably, forming tumors. It often shows up as a breast lump, breast thickening, or skin change.
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Statistics About Breast CancerSome people use statistics to try to figure out their chances of getting cancer or being cured of it. However, statistics only show what happens to large groups of people.
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Breast cancer is a disease in which abnormal breast cells begin to grow uncontrollably, forming tumors. It often shows up as a breast lump, breast thickening, or skin change.
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Detailed information on breast cancer treatment, including surgery, breast reconstruction, lymphedema, breast prosthesis, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, Tamoxifen, and Taxol
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Breast cancer is caused by the development of malignant cells in the breast. The malignant cells originate in the lining of the milk glands or ducts of the breast (ductal epithelium), defining this malignancy as a cancer.
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Detailed information on the genetics of breast cancer, including information on hereditary breast ovarian cancer syndrome, brca1, brca2, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Cowden syndrome, and ataxia telangiectasia
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Treating Breast Cancer: Adjuvant TherapyFor more information, talk to your healthcare team or support network.You and your healthcare provider will discuss your treatment options. Weigh all of your options before deciding which is best for you.
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The Soy and Breast Cancer Controversy: Cause for Concern?There is a debate raging that has respected nutrition experts on both sides of the battle lines.
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Sexuality Issues for Women Being Treated for CancerWhen you are undergoing treatment for cancer, you may have side effects that affect your physical response to sex. You may also experience changing feelings about who you are, how you feel about y...
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How Your Doctor Uses Biopsies to Make Your Diagnosis of Breast CancerDuring a biopsy, a doctor removes cells from your breast and then sends them to a lab to be examined under a microscope. There is more than one kind of biopsy.
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Questions to Ask About Treatment for Breast CancerIt helps to learn all you can about your disease and treatment choices so that you can take an active part in decisions about your medical care. Discuss these choices with your doctors, nurses, and...
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Making the Decision to Have Radiation Therapy for Breast CancerYour doctor may suggest radiation if you fall into one of the following categories.You have Stage DCIS or Stage I, II, or III breast cancer.You would get radiation after surgery. This ...
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Making the Decision to Have Chemotherapy for Breast CancerYour doctor may suggest chemotherapy to treat breast cancer for any of the following situations.Before your surgery or radiation in Stage II or III breast cancer.This is calledneoadjuvant c...
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What to Know About Targeted Therapy for Breast CancerThe Goal of Targeted Therapy for Breast CancerA new type of treatment may be used for breast cancer. It’s called targeted therapy.
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Making the Decision to Have Targeted Therapy for Breast CancerYour doctor may suggest targeted therapy if these statements apply to you.You have stage IV breast cancer, and your cancer cells have high levels of the protein HER-2.Hormone therapy or...
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Detailed information on treatments for breast cancer, including hormone therapy, adjuvant therapy, biological therapy, bone marrow transplant, and autologous stem cell therapy
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Detailed information on the risk factors for breast cancer
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Detailed information on the signs and symptoms of breast cancer
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Detailed information on different types of surgery for breast cancer treatment, including lumpectomy, partial mastectomy, total mastectomy, modified radical mastectomy, and radical mastectomy
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Breast cancer is the abnormal growth and uncontrolled division of cells in the breast. Cancer cells can invade and destroy surrounding tissue, and may metastasize (spread) throughout the body via blood or lymph fluid to other parts of the body.
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Detailed information on radiation therapy for breast cancer
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Investigators report headway against breast cancer, the disease that worries women more than any other.
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What Can I Do If I Am At Risk for Breast Cancer?What can you do if you are at risk for breast cancer?
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What to Expect After Surgery for Breast CancerHow long you stay in the hospital will depend mostly upon your overall health and the type of surgery you had. Your doctors and nurses will explain the side effects you can expect with each form of tre...
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What Happens During Radiation Therapy for Breast CancerWhat happens during radiation therapy depends on whether you get EBRT or brachytherapy. EBRT is the more common way to have radiation therapy for breast cancer.
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What to Expect After Radiation Treatment for Breast CancerIf you get EBRT, you don’t need to worry about being radioactive after your treatments. It’s perfectly safe to be around other people.
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What Happens During Chemotherapy for Breast CancerWhat happens during chemotherapy depends on the type of drug or drugs you take.Where You Have ChemotherapyMost people have chemotherapy in an outpatient part of the hospital, at the doctor’s office...
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What to Expect After Chemotherapy for Breast CancerChemotherapy kills cancer cells, and it also harms healthy cells. That means it often causes unwanted, and sometimes serious, side effects.
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What Happens During Targeted Therapy for Breast CancerYou get Herceptin through an intravenous (IV) injection into your vein. It will take 30 to 90 minutes to get your full dose.
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What to Expect After Targeted Therapy for Breast CancerBecause Herceptin targets particular cells, it is less damaging to healthy cells than other types of treatment. Compared with chemotherapy, the side effects are mild.
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Making the Decision to Have Reconstructive Surgery for Breast CancerThe decision to have reconstructive breast surgery is a very personal one. It depends a lot on how you think you will feel after a mastectomy.
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When Breast Cancer Spreads to the BonesBefore you have surgery for breast cancer, your doctor is likely to schedule a bone scan for you. This test can show if the cancer has spread to the bones, called bone metastis.If bone metastasis has occurred...
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Breast Cancer FAQQ: Can breast cancer be prevented?A:There is no sure way to prevent breast cancer.
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Expert-reviewed information summary about the treatment of breast cancer.
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Factors that can affect a woman's risk of breast cancer include weight gain, activity level, alcohol consumption, vitamins, birth control pills, hormone therapy, breast density, and use of preventive medication.
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A review of several new advances in breast cancer treatment, including a report on a drug that may reduce cancer recurrence by as much as half.
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Breast cancer survivors should work with their doctors to monitor their health closely, to avoid a relapse or other medical problems. Surviving the illness takes a serious mental toll as well.
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Detailed information on chemotherapy for breast cancer treatment
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Detailed information on the Breast Cancer Prevention Trial (BCPT): Tamoxifen as Prevention Therapy for Breast Cancer
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Can I Get Checked for Breast Cancer Before I Have Symptoms?You have a better chance of surviving breast cancer if your doctor finds and treats it early.
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What Are the Symptoms of Breast Cancer?Breast cancer often causes no symptoms in its early stages.
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Goal of Chemotherapy for Breast CancerChemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It’s asystemictreatment.
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Goal of Radiation Therapy for Breast CancerRadiation treatment is also called radiotherapy. It’s one way to treat breast cancer.
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When Should I Start Getting Screened for Breast Cancer?Certain well-respected organizations have varying advice about the methods of breast cancer screening and how often you should be screened.
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Am I At Risk for Breast Cancer?There is really no way to know for sure if you’re going to get breast cancer, though certain risk factors can make it more likely.
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Exercising After Breast Cancer: Moving Toward HealthNo matter what type of treatment you have for breast cancer, it can take a toll on both your body and emotions. The effects of the disease and treatment often cause women to become less active, m...
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A Harvard Medical School doctor describes her own fight against breast cancer and provides recommendations for other women coping with the disease.
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In recent years, researchers have discovered new and better ways to detect and treat breast cancer—and to keep it from coming back.
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Breast Cancer Inspiration: Chance EncountersThefollowing Inspirational Story was taken fromSilver Linings: The Other Side of Cancer, published by the Oncology Nursing Press, Inc.Today, I continue to reach out to hold the hands of others with cance...
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The good news is that breast cancer can be treated successfully. Treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, or any combination of these. Here's a closer look at each.
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How Does My Doctor Know I Have Breast Cancer?If you’re having symptoms of breast cancer or have something suspicious that has shown up on a previous test, your doctor will want to follow up.
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Tests That Help Evaluate the Traits of Your Breast CancerYour doctor took a sample of cells from your breast using a biopsy to confirm that you have cancer.If cancer is found, your doctor may request other tests to learn more about your specific t...
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Do What You Can to Ease Side Effects of Treatment and Symptoms for Breast CancerYou will likely have physical concerns since your cancer may cause symptoms, and you may have side effects from your treatment. In this section, you’ll learn more abou...
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Tips for Feeling Your Best During Treatment for Breast CancerWhen you are being treated for breast cancer, it’s likely that you will have side effects from that treatment and, perhaps, also symptoms of the disease itself. For instance, the cancer ...
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Can I Survive Breast Cancer? What Is My Prognosis?
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Myths About What Causes Breast CancerA variety of false theories about breast cancer risk factors cause unnecessary concerns for many women. Many have been studied and found to not have any impact on breast cancer risk.These are among those factor...
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What Happens Before and During Surgery for Breast CancerYou may have more than one surgeon depending upon the procedures you’re having. You’ll meet before surgery to discuss your procedures.
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Probability of Breast Cancer in American WomenKey PointsThe National Cancer Institute estimates that, based on current rates, 13.2 percent of women born today will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some time in their lives.Because rates of breast...
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October Is National Breast Cancer Awareness MonthNATIONAL MAMMOGRAPHY DAYThe third Friday in October each year is National Mammography Day, first proclaimed by President Clinton in 1993. On this day, or throughout the month, we encourage women to ...
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Digital mammography is poised to replace the standard version, but studies show them to be about equal in effectiveness at detecting cancers, depending on age and breast density. Ultrasound and MRI are also useful tools for detection in some women.
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The recent decrease in new breast cancer cases in women over 50 appears to be linked to the decline in the use of hormone therapy for symptoms of menopause.
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Detailed information on breast cancer statistics, including information from the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program
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A recent study reports that regular exercise reduced mortality by as much as half among breast cancer survivors.
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Fear of recurrence joins with initial fatigue, hair loss, and perhaps discomfort from breast reconstruction.
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The following drugs and tests have been approved since the year 2000 for the treatment of breast cancer.
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The Harvard Health Letter celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. In the third of a series, the Health Letter takes a look back at three decades in medicine.
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Reports that, contrary to earlier studies, ductal lavage is not a good alternative to mammography in screening for breast cancer.
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Cancer is not just one disease, but a large group of almost 100 diseases. It is a genetic disease, with two main characteristics of uncontrolled growth of the cells in the human body and the ability of those cells to migrate from the original site and spread to distant sites.
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Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. Cancerous cells are also called malignant cells.
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Understanding CancerThe term "cancer" refers to a group of diseases in which cells grow and spread unrestrained throughout the body. It is difficult to imagine anyone who has not heard about this disease.
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Cancer is the end product of a multistep process (carcinogenesis) that occurs over many years. The term " cancer " actually refers to numerous distinct diseases characterized by abnormal cell growth and differentiation.
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Coping With Cancer Through Mind, Body, Spirit and EmotionsWith one out of every two or three people at risk for cancer, as suggested by the American Cancer Society, perhaps it comes as no surprise that the topic of cancer and stress are tightly li...
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Does Ageism Exist in Cancer Care?What if you had cancer and were not offered a new treatment because of your age?
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The Gale Encyclopedia of Cancer: A Guide to Cancer and Its Treatments is a unique and invaluable source of information for anyone touched by cancer. This collection of over 450 entries provides in-depth coverage of specific cancer types, diagnostic procedures, treatments, cancer side effects, and cancer drugs.
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A group of diseases characterized by uncontrollable cell growth. Cancer is a family of diseases in which cells replicate at an extremely rapid pace.
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No matter what your age or lifestyle, the choices you make today and in the future can improve your chances of living a healthy and cancer-free life.
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Whether you’re facing major surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy, a second opinion can help ensure you’re getting the most targeted, effective treatment for your condition.
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If You Are Diagnosed With CancerQuestions for the doctor:What kind of cancer do I have?Is it invasive?
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Detailed information on the most common diagnostic procedures for cancer
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Cancer is not just one disease, but a large group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled and abnormal growth of the cells in the human body and the ability of these cells to spread to distant sites (metastasis). If the spread is not controlled, cancer can result in death.
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Seek Support if Cancer StrikesA 4-foot northern pike stars in one of actor Rob Lowe's favorite tales about his father."Like many kids, I really enjoyed going on fishing trips with my dad," says Mr.
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Understanding Cancer StatisticsStatistics are often used in news reports or in talking about someone's risk for getting cancer or whether a treatment will work. These statistics can be confusing or misleading if you do not understand how they are ...
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Oral Contraceptives and Cancer Risk: Questions and AnswersKey PointsSome cancers depend on naturally occurring sex hormones for their development and growth. Researchers are interested in learning whether the hormones in oral contraceptives affect...
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Detailed information on coping with a cancer diagnosis in a child
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Detailed information on cancer, including cancer diagnosis, cancer staging, cancer grading, cancer treatment, cancer surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, immunotherapy, biological therapy, and cancer clinical trials
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Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled growth of tissue cells in the body and the invasion by these cells into nearby tissue and migration to distant sites. Cancer results from alterations (mutations) in genes that make up DNA, the master molecule of the cell.
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The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program of the National Cancer Institute is the most authoritative source of information on cancer incidence and survival in the United States. Established in 1973, SEER originally provided cancer incidence data for Connecticut, Iowa, New Mexico, Utah, and Hawaii, and for the metropolitan areas of Detroit and San Francisco-Oakland.
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Cyclist Lance Armstrong is proof that you can not only survive cancer, but that you can actually resume a normal livelihood, one of his doctors says.
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A Cancer Survivor’s Guide to CaregivingBy Jim RiceAs a rectal cancer survivor, I have had several caregivers. An enterostomal therapy nurse took care of me at the hospital after my colostomy surgery; home health care nurses came to my house for se...
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Detailed information on diagnosing cancer in children
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Cancer is not just one disease, but a large group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled and abnormal growth of the cells in the human body and the ability of these cells to spread to distant sites (metastasis). If the spread is not controlled, cancer can result in death.
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Life as a cancer survivor can be as rich and rewarding as you decide to make it. In fact, increased awareness of mortality is all some people need to feel more alive than ever.
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