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Definition: Cancer from Dictionary of Information Science and Technology

the diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade other tissues. Cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. Cancer is not just one disease but many diseases. There are more than 100 different types of cancer. (Valdés & Barton, 2009)

Cancer

From Black's Medical Dictionary, 43rd Edition
The general term used to refer to a malignant TUMOUR , irrespective of the tissue of origin. ‘Malignancy’ indicates that (i) the tumour is capable of progressive growth, unrestrained by the capsule of the parent organ, and/or (ii) that it is capable of distant spread via LYMPHATICS or the bloodstream, resulting in development of secondary deposits of tumour known as ‘metastases’. (See METASTASIS .) Microscopically, cancer cells appear different from the equivalent normal cells in the affected tissue. In particular they may show a lesser degree of differentiation (i.e. they are more ‘primitive’), features showing they are replicating more rapidly than normal and are aligned in a disorganised way in relationship to other cells or blood vessels. The diagnosis of cancer usually depends upon the observation of these features by examining biopsies (tissue removed surgically) under a microscope. Cancers are classified according to the type of cell from which they are derived as well as the…
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Full text Article Fact Check: does coffee cause cancer? (May 2018)

From The Conversation: An Independent Source of Analysis from Academic Researchers
Fact Check: does coffee cause cancer?
While plaintiff offered evidence that consumption of coffee increases the risk of harm to the fetus, to infants, to children and to adults, defendants’ medical and epidemiology experts testified that they had no opinion on causation. California Superior Court Judge Elihu Berle, proposed ruling on…
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Full text Article Cancer

From The Human Body Book: An Illustrated Guide to Its Structure, Function and Disorders Full text Article Reproduction and Life Cycle
Malignant tumour growth As abnormal cells...
Cancer is not a single disease, but a large group of disorders with different symptoms. Nearly all cancers have the same basic cause: cells multiply uncontrollably because the normal regulation of their division has been damaged. The faulty genes at the root of the problem – and there must be more…
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Full text Article cancer

From Philip's Encyclopedia
Cancer can spread in two ways. First, by direct...
Group of diseases featuring the uncontrolled proliferation of cells (tumour formation). Malignant (cancerous) cells spread (metastasize) from their original site to other parts of the body. There are many different cancers. Known causative agents (carcinogens) include smoking, certain industrial…
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Full text Article Cancer

From Encyclopedia of Women's Health
Around 400 BC, Hippocrates described the long, bulky veins spread around some breast tumors as resembling the limbs of a crab, hence its name— karkinoma in Greek and, later, its Latin equivalent cancer . Although cancer is not one disease, all cancers share one characteristic and it is the…
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Full text Article cancer

From The Encyclopedia of Addictions and Addictive Behaviors
A malignant tumor in the body which may or may not be treatable, depending on the stage of the cancer as well as the health of the patient and other factors. Multiple types of cancers are caused by addictive behaviors, primarily smoking cigarettes and consuming alcohol. For example, smoking…
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Full text Article Cancer

From Worldmark Global Health and Medicine Issues
SOURCE: Adapted from “Figure 3. Most frequently...
Cancer is a broad term for a group of diseases that can affect people of all ages and ethnicities. It arises when abnormal cells begin to grow uncontrollably anywhere on the body. Other words for cancer include neoplasm and malignancy. As one of the leading causes of illness and death worldwide, …
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Full text Article Cancer

From Gale Encyclopedia of Public Health
Common pathogens and associated cancers
Cancer is not just one disease, but a large group of more than 100 diseases. Its two main characteristics are uncontrolled growth of the cells in the human body, and the ability of these cells to migrate from the original site and spread to distant sites. If the spread is not controlled, cancer can…
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Full text Article Cancer

From The Gale Encyclopedia of Senior Health
Frequency of specific types of cancer in U.S....
Cancer is not just one disease but a large group of more than 100 diseases. Its two main characteristics are uncontrolled cell growth in the human body and the ability of these cells to migrate from the original site and spread to distant sites. If the spread is not controlled, cancer can result in…
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Full text Article Cancer

From Global Social Issues: An Encyclopedia
Cancer is a group of diseases in which abnormal cells reproduce and invade body fluids or tissues. It is the second leading cause of mortality worldwide, responsible for just under 8 million deaths per year in the early 2010s. And that number is climbing rapidly, with estimates suggesting that…
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Full text Article Cancer

From Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine
Common pathogens and associated cancers
Cancer is not just one disease, but a large group of over 100 diseases. Its two main characteristics are uncontrolled growth of the cells in the human body and the ability of these cells to migrate from the original site and spread to distant sites. If the spread is not controlled, cancer can result…
| 6,360 words , 2 images
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