Cancer

Cancer is a class of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell division and the ability of these cells to invade other tissues, either by direct growth into adjacent tissue (invasion) or by migration of cells to distant sites (metastasis). This unregulated growth is caused by damage to DNA, resulting in mutations to vital genes that control cell division, among other functions. One or more of these mutations, which can be inherited or acquired, can lead to uncontrolled cell division and tumor formation. Tumor ("swelling" in Latin) refers to any abnormal mass of tissue, but may be either malignant (cancerous) or benign (noncancerous). Only malignant tumors are capable of invading other tissues or metastasizing.

External links

Professional and research

• The World Health Organisation's cancer site A review of worldwide strategies for the prevention and treatment of cancer.
• Cancer Facts & Figures 2005 - 2005 United States Cancer Statistics
• Cancer Medicine, 6th Edition Textbook
• National Comprehensive Cancer Network - has free guidelines for professionals and many pages of quality information for patients with all types of cancers
• US National Cancer Institute Government organization for research and treatment
• EORTC European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer. A European non-profit organization that sets up and executes clinical trials.

Support and advocacy

• American Cancer Society Patient advocate group
• Cancer from MedlinePlus - provides links to news, general sites, diagnosis, treatment and alternative therapies, clinical trials, research, related issues, organizations, other MedlinePlus Cancers Topics and Living with Cancer, and more. Also, links to pre-formulated searches of the MEDLINE/PubMed database for recent research articles.
• Cancer Research UK - Cancer Resources - In-depth, up-to-date information for people with a professional or general interest in cancer and health.
• Cancer Research UK - Cancer Help - Free information service about cancer and cancer care for people with cancer and their families.
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