CANCER

Cancer is a disease that causes a lot of anxiety among people.  Cancer is often considered a death warrant, however many new screening tests are available to detect cancer early and treat it successfully.  Much research has focused on prevention strategies that all people can learn about and use in their everyday lives.

To find out more about specific cancers and prevention strategies, please see below. 

• Breast Cancer

• Cervical Cancer

• Colorectal Cancer

• Lung Cancer

• Prostate Cancer

• Skin Cancer

• Testicular Cancer

• A Fact Sheet of Prevention Strategies

• A Cancer Quiz

Other Resources

• Cancer Care Ontario

• Canadian Cancer Society

• Cancer Report for Grey Bruce 1986-2004 

• Cancer Services in Grey Bruce-Agency Profiles 

• Tobacco

WHAT IS CANCER?

Cancer is a disease that starts in our cells.  Normally, our cells function effectively and we remain healthy.  Usually, the body has defences that target and destroy abnormal cells.  Sometimes, a cell’s instructions get mixed up and the body does not destroy abnormal cells.  Cancer occurs when abnormal cells manage to overcome these defences.  Abnormal cells multiply without order or control.  They cannot perform their normal function.

When cells grow out of control and form a mass, the mass is called a tumour.  Some tumours grow and enlarge only at the site where they began.  These are called benign tumours.  Other tumours not only enlarge at the site but also have the potential to invade and destroy the normal cells around them and to spread to other parts of the body.  These tumours are called malignant tumours. 

Some people believe the causes of cancer are a mystery.  However, we actually know many things concerning ‘cause’, and they are related to everyday lifestyle issues: 

• tobacco

• diet

• physical inactivity

 Other causes of cancer are:

• family history

• occupational and environmental factors

• alcohol and drug abuse

• sexual activity infections