Wikipedia:VideoWiki/Cancer

Cancer, is a group of diseases involving abnormal cell growth, with the potential to invade or spread, to other parts of the body.^[1][2] Cancer are different than benign tumors, which do not spread.^[2]

Possible signs and symptoms include, a lump, abnormal bleeding, prolonged cough, unexplained weight loss, and a change in bowel movements.^[3]

While these symptoms may indicate cancer, they can also have other causes.^[3] Over 100 types of cancers, affect humans.^[2]

Tobacco use, is the cause of about 22% of all cancer deaths.^[1]

Another 10% are, due to obesity, poor diet, lack of physical activity, or excessive drinking of alcohol.^[1][4][5]

Other factors include, certain infections, and exposure to ionizing radiation and environmental pollutants.^[6]

In the developing world, 15% of cancers are due to infections such as, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, human papillomavirus infection, Epstein–Barr virus, and [[HIV].^[1]

Approximately 5–10% of cancers, are due to inherited genetic defects, from a person's parents.^[7]

When cancer is suspected because of signs and symptoms, or screening tests, ^[1] it will be further investigated by medical imaging, and confirmed by biopsy.^[8]

Many cancers, can be prevented by not smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight.^[9]

Limiting alcohol use, eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, as well as avoiding red meat, and excessive sunlight, all lower the risk of cancer.^[9][10]

Vaccination against certain infectious diseases, such as, the human papilloma virus, decreases the risk of cancer.^[11]

Early detection through screening, is useful for cervical, and colorectal cancer.^[12]

The benefits of screening in breast cancer are controversial.^[12][13]

Cancer, is usually treated with some combination of radiation therapy, surgery, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy.^[1][14]

Pain, and symptom management are an important part of care.^[1]

The chance of survival, depends on the type of cancer, and extent of disease at the start of treatment.^[15]

In females, the most common types are, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, and cervical cancer.^[15]

The most common types of cancer in males are, lung cancer, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, and stomach cancer.^[16]

In children, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and brain tumors are most common, except in Africa where non-Hodgkin lymphoma occurs more often.^[17]