Cancers

Introduction: Most of us have known or heard of someone who has suffered from cancer. You might have seen the movie “I am Legend” that gave a fictional foreshadow of what might happen if a cure for cancer was found. Unfortunately this is a very real disease. We do have a lot of information on cancers, but not enough.

Characteristics

~Cancer Cells Lack Differentiation

This simply means they do not contribute to the functioning of any body part.

~Have Abnormal Nuclei

The nuclei tends to be enlarged; possibly with an abnormal number of chromosomes.

~Have Unlimited Replicative Potential

Simply put, there is no stopping them from replicating. They will replicate as many times as they want.

~Form Tumors

Cancer cells begin to pile upon each other in multiple layers; that makes a tumor.

~Have No Need For Growth Factors

Chemical signals saying when and when not to divide are pretty much ignored by cancer cells

~Gradually Become Abnormal

~Undergo Angiogenesis and Metastasis

Angiogenesis is the formation of new blood vessels.

Metastasis is when a piece of the tumor breaks off and begins to form somewhere else.

There are many types of cancers and if one was to study cancers they would be called an oncologist. There carcinomas, which are cancers of epithelial tissues. Sarcomas are cancers in muscles and connective tissues. Leukemias are cancers of the blood. There is also lymphomas, which are cancers in the lymphatic system.

Conclusion: There you have it. There are a lot of foundations out there working to fight cancer, as well as many people. It is wise to know symptoms and to avoid bad habits to expedite your chances, such as tanning beds and cigarettes.

~Note~ I chose not to include pictures in this portion. I believe that cancer should be treated as a deeply personal event and not propagandized by pictures that people can't help but look at.