Cancer

AKA

The Big C

One in three of us will get cancer during our lives. And one in four of us will die from it. So everyone will know someone affected by this disease.
Sometimes cancer feels like the Bogey Man. Lurking. And dangerous. But what is it?

In fact, there are hundreds of different types of cancer. At least one for every bit of our body. Some are deadly but many are curable. And more people with cancer survive now than ever before.

We've all labelled the Biology diagrams so we know our bodies are made up of billions of tiny cells. Each cell grows, divides then dies in strict order. A cancer cell is one that refuses to die, dividing over and over again. It doesn't stop. Soon there are millions of cancer cells, all stubbornly refusing to die.

Why is this harmful?

The cancer can grow so big it can stop other bits of our body working properly. It can hurt. And it can wear us out.

Why do people get cancer?

For most cancers, there are two reasons.

• We inherit the risk in our genes. This doesn't mean you'll definitely get cancer, just 'cos your Granny did. But it is slightly more likely.
• Something in our environment triggers it off and makes that first cancer cell refuse to die. Common triggers are cigarettes, sunlight and certain viruses.

How can I stop it happening?

Sadly, it's not like doggy-doo on the pavement, we can't always avoid it by being on the alert. But we can hugely reduce our chances:

• Don't smoke. The evil weed is responsible for more cancer deaths than anything else. And it's not just lung cancer either. Smoking causes cancer of the mouth, cervix, kidney, pancreas, bladder and stomach, too. Stub It Out.
• Slap on the Factor 50. Burning in the sun is not a good look and it whacks up our risk of dangerous skin cancers.
• Eat well. About a quarter of cancer deaths are related to unhealthy diets. Get your five fresh fruit and veg a day, and eat plenty of low fat, high fibre foods. Proven protection from cancer on a plate.
• Exercise. Not just for the muscle definition. Those of us who exercise regularly get less cancer. For instance, being physically active halves your chances of getting bowel cancer.
• Prevention. Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable and curable cancers. Early detection via a smear test could save your life and the new HPV vaccine for 12 - 13 year old girls helps prevent you getting cervical cancer when you're older.

But cancer is for old people, right?

Cancer when we're young is extremely rare. But it does happen with skin cancer, testicular cancer and types of blood cancer the most common types in teenagers. Plus we all get older and do you fancy looking back to wish you'd done things differently?

Further help and advice

Macmillan Cancer Support
Cancer Research UK
Teenage Cancer Trust
Cancer Help
Breast Cancer Care

Written by Dr Melissa Sayer

Last updated March 2009

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