Cancer
Overview
Our bodies are made up of trillions of cells. The instruction manual for how our cells grow and divide is dictated by our genetic material, or DNA. Occasionally, when a cell splits, it can make a mistake, or mutation, in its DNA that causes it to begin dividing abnormally.
Our body's defense systems can typically handle a few mistakes, but when these defense mechanisms are overwhelmed, abnormal cells begin to grow and divide uncontrollably, resulting in cancer.
Globally, cancer is the second leading cause of death, behind only cardiovascular disease. Breast, colorectal, lung, cervical, and thyroid cancer are the most common forms among women, while lung, prostate, colorectal, stomach, and liver cancer are the most common types among men. While overall medical advances, including immunotherapy, have improved survival rates, incidences of certain cancers are increasing among young individuals.
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