Cancer is a group of diseases that occur when abnormal cells divide rapidly and form tumors. They can disrupt the body’s normal functions, but some tumors are benign. These tumors do not spread to other parts of the body. But if the tumor grows larger or presses against other tissue, it can cause health problems.
Each type of cancer needs to be treated differently. Treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Some treatments are used in combination. For example, hormone therapy may be used to treat breast cancer. Other treatments, like immunotherapy, use the immune system to attack the cancer.
The goal of treatment is to remove as much of the cancer as possible. It is important to detect the disease early. If it is found before it has spread, it is easier to treat. However, some types of cancer are harder to detect in the early stages. There are also certain risk factors that can increase the chances of getting cancer.
Surgery is usually used in combination with other therapies. The surgery can either remove the cancer or help prevent it from spreading. Depending on the age of the patient and his general state of health, the doctor may prescribe different treatments to get rid of the cancer. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are often used to reduce the size of the tumor.
A complete remission is when the cancer is under control. This can last for a few years or it can go into permanent remission.
