What Is Cancer

Cancer is actually a group of many related diseases that all have to do with cells. Cells are the very small units that make up all living things, including the human body. There are billions of cells in each person's body.
Cancer happens when cells that are not normal grow and spread very fast. Normal body cells grow and divide and know to stop growing. Over time, they also die. Unlike these normal cells, cancer cells just continue to grow and divide out of control and don't die when they're supposed to.
Cancer cells usually group or clump together to form tumors (say: too-mers). A growing tumor becomes a lump of cancer cells that can destroy the normal cells around the tumor and damage the body's healthy tissues. This can make someone very sick.
Sometimes cancer cells break away from the original tumor and travel to other areas of the body, where they keep growing and can go on to form new tumors. This is how cancer spreads. The spread of a tumor to a new place in the body is called metastasis (say: meh-tas-tuh-sis).

Types of Cancers

Definition of bladder cancer: Cancer that forms in tissues of the bladder (the organ that stores urine). Most bladder cancers are transitional cell carcinomas (cancer that begins in cells that normally make up the inner lining of the bladder). Other types include squamous cell carcinoma (cancer that begins in thin, flat cells) and adenocarcinoma (cancer that begins in cells that make and release mucus and other fluids). The cells that form squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma develop in the inner lining of the bladder as a result of chronic irritation and inflammation.
Estimated new cases and deaths from bladder cancer in the United States in 2009:
New cases: 70,980
Deaths: 14,330
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Definition of breast cancer: Cancer that forms in tissues of the breast, usually the ducts (tubes that carry milk to the nipple) and lobules (glands that make milk). It occurs in both men and women, although male breast cancer is rare.
Estimated new cases and deaths from breast cancer in the United States in 2009:
New cases: 192,370 (female); 1,910 (male)
Deaths: 40,170 (female); 440 (male)
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Definition of colon cancer: Cancer that forms in the tissues of the colon (the longest part of the large intestine). Most colon cancers are adenocarcinomas (cancers that begin in cells that make and release mucus and other fluids).
Definition of rectal cancer: Cancer that forms in the tissues of the rectum (the last several inches of the large intestine closest to the anus).
Estimated new cases and deaths from colon and rectal cancer in the United States in 2009:
New cases: 106,100 (colon); 40,870 (rectal)
Deaths: 49,920 (colon and rectal combined)
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Definition of endometrial cancer: Cancer that forms in the tissue lining the uterus (the small, hollow, pear-shaped organ in a woman's pelvis in which a fetus develops). Most endometrial cancers are adenocarcinomas (cancers that begin in cells that make and release mucus and other fluids).
Estimated new cases and deaths from endometrial (uterine corpus) cancer in the United States in 2009:
New cases: 42,160
Deaths: 7,780
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Definition of kidney cancer: Cancer that forms in tissues of the kidneys. Kidney cancer includes renal cell carcinoma (cancer that forms in the lining of very small tubes in the kidney that filter the blood and remove waste products) and renal pelvis carcinoma (cancer that forms in the center of the kidney where urine collects). It also includes Wilms tumor, which is a type of kidney cancer that usually develops in children under the age of 5.
Estimated new cases and deaths from kidney (renal cell and renal pelvis) cancer in the United States in 2009:
New cases: 49,096
Deaths: 11,033
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Definition of leukemia: Cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow and causes large numbers of blood cells to be produced and enter the bloodstream.
Estimated new cases and deaths from leukemia in the United States in 2009:
New cases: 44,790
Deaths: 21,870
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Definition of lung cancer: Cancer that forms in tissues of the lung, usually in the cells lining air passages. The two main types are small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. These types are diagnosed based on how the cells look under a microscope.
Estimated new cases and deaths from lung cancer (non-small cell and small cell combined) in the United States in 2009:
New cases: 219,440
Deaths: 159,390
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Definition of melanoma: A form of cancer that begins in melanocytes (cells that make the pigment melanin). It may begin in a mole (skin melanoma), but can also begin in other pigmented tissues, such as in the eye or in the intestines.
Estimated new cases and deaths from melanoma in the United States in 2009:
New cases: 68,720
Deaths: 8,650
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Definition of non-Hodgkin lymphoma: Any of a large group of cancers of lymphocytes (white blood cells). Non-Hodgkin lymphomas can occur at any age and are often marked by lymph nodes that are larger than normal, fever, and weight loss. There are many different types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. These types can be divided into aggressive (fast-growing) and indolent (slow-growing) types, and they can be formed from either B-cells or T-cells. B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas include Burkitt lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL), diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, immunoblastic large cell lymphoma, precursor B-lymphoblastic lymphoma, and mantle cell lymphoma. T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas include mycosis fungoides, anaplastic large cell lymphoma, and precursor T-lymphoblastic lymphoma. Lymphomas that occur after bone marrow or stem cell transplantation are usually B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Prognosis and treatment depend on the stage and type of disease. Also called NHL.
Estimated new cases and deaths from non-Hodgkin lymphoma in the United States in 2009:
New cases: 65,980
Deaths: 19,500
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Definition of pancreatic cancer: A disease in which malignant (cancer) cells are found in the tissues of the pancreas. Also called exocrine cancer.
Estimated new cases and deaths from pancreatic cancer in the United States in 2009:
New cases: 42,470
Deaths: 35,240
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Definition of prostate cancer: Cancer that forms in tissues of the prostate (a gland in the male reproductive system found below the bladder and in front of the rectum). Prostate cancer usually occurs in older men.
Estimated new cases and deaths from prostate cancer in the United States in 2009:
New cases: 192,280
Deaths: 27,360
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Definition of skin cancer: Cancer that forms in tissues of the skin. There are several types of skin cancer. Skin cancer that forms in melanocytes (skin cells that make pigment) is called melanoma. Skin cancer that forms in basal cells (small, round cells in the base of the outer layer of skin) is called basal cell carcinoma. Skin cancer that forms in squamous cells (flat cells that form the surface of the skin) is called squamous cell carcinoma. Skin cancer that forms in neuroendocrine cells (cells that release hormones in response to signals from the nervous system) is called neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin. Most skin cancers form in older people on parts of the body exposed to the sun or in people who have weakened immune systems.
Estimated new cases and deaths from skin (nonmelanoma) cancer in the United States in 2009:
New cases: more than 1,000,000
Deaths: less than 1,000
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Definition of thyroid cancer: Cancer that forms in the thyroid gland (an organ at the base of the throat that makes hormones that help control heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and weight). Four main types of thyroid cancer are papillary, follicular, medullary, and anaplastic thyroid cancer. The four types are based on how the cancer cells look under a microscope.
Estimated new cases and deaths from thyroid cancer in the United States in 2009:
New cases: 37,200
Deaths: 1,630

Cancer Danger Receptor Found

A "danger receptor" that may kick-start an immune reaction to cancer in the body has been found by UK researchers.
It picks up signs of cell death caused by injury or tumours and mobilises the body's defences, Nature reports.
The finding may explain why some tumour-killing drugs partly work by setting off an immune response.
Better understanding of the receptor could help develop cancer treatments that harness the immune system, the London Research Institute team said.

Cell death is a normal process in the body which keeps growth and repair ticking over and keeps tissue healthy.
After a 15-year hunt, we've identified the first 'danger receptor' - one which senses abnormal cell death and then triggers an immune response
Dr Caetano Reis e Sousa, study leader
But sometimes there is an abnormal type of cell death called necrosis.
It has been thought for many years that the body somehow senses this abnormal cell death and sets off an immune reaction.
From an evolutionary point of view this would make sense as injury puts the body at risk of infection and an immune response would be a sensible precaution.
However, until now no receptor capable of detecting this abnormal cell death had been found.
The researchers discovered that the DNGR-1 receptor on a type of immune cell called a dendritic cell mobilises an immune response after coming across this abnormal cell death.
Dendritic cells act as messengers, alerting other types of immune cells to kill invaders, such as viruses and bacteria. Trigger
The researchers said tumours could also trigger this type of immune reaction because they often contain clusters of cells undergoing this type of cell death as they have a limited blood supply.
Dr Caetano Reis e Sousa, lead author based at Cancer Research UK's London Research Institute, said: "After a 15-year hunt, we've identified the first 'danger receptor' - one which senses abnormal cell death and then triggers an immune response.
"The detection of 'danger' could explain some situations when a tumour triggers an immune reaction against itself."
He said manipulating this system could be beneficial in treating cancer but also in other areas, such as preventing rejection in organ transplantation.
"There is a theory that some cancer-killing drugs kill tumour cells in such a way that triggers the immune system against them so they have a double whammy."
Dr Lesley Walker, director of information at Cancer Research UK, said: "The concept of using the body's immune system to fight cancer has been around for decades, but advances in recent years have made this field of research a very exciting one.
"The results of this study are really important scientifically and a step towards understanding how to manipulate the immune system to treat cancer in the future."

Lung Cancer Alternative Treatment

In July of 1992, Sharon was diagnosed with large cell lung cancer. In September 1992, she started chemotherapy. After the chemotherapy, which didn't help, she then had deep body radiation 21 times. The radiation did not work; the tumor in her one lung was still there. Then they found a tumor on the outside of the chest; it metastasized to her neck and then the other side of her lung. She then had more chemotherapy at her own insistence. In December 1992 the doctors told her, "Sorry, there is nothing more we can do for you." Sharon's father and mother knew about the Clinic in Freeport. Her parents had been going to Grand Bahama Island for some years. They advised her to go to the clinic and find out about the cancer treatment. Sharon met with Dr. Clement who was very frank with her and made no promises about her lung cancer but said that they could visit and talk with the IAT patients in the waiting room. She did just that and was very gratified to hear the many long-term success stories from the patients themselves. On February 7, 1993, Sharon began the IAT treatment. Six months after starting IAT, the tumor disappeared and has stayed away. It is now 8 years later and Sharon remains tumor free.

Multiple Myeloma Cancer Alternative

I am really grateful for everything I have received at the clinic. I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma ten years ago. I went to three different oncologists who recommended chemotherapy and radiation. I told a specialist in Redding that I was hesitant to take chemotherapy. He took me out to the waiting room and showed me a lady in a wheelchair who also had multiple myeloma. He said "that's what you'll be like if you don't take chemotherapy."
When I left the oncologist's office I went to a health food store and bought a book entitled "The End of Cancer" written by a local chiropractor. I made an appointment at his office. He told me there was nothing he could do for me, but said I should go to the Bahamas for IAT treatment. I called June at the clinic who referred me to a lady who had multiple myeloma-who had been treated there for 13 years and was doing great. She said she was so sick before she came and gradually started feeling better until she felt normal. I decided to go to the Bahamas and start treatment. That was 10 years ago. I feel great. My oncologist says "You are a miracle." I am so grateful to be here

Transplanting Kidneys With Cancer

Despite a push to get more people to donate organs, and trying new approaches to reduce shortages, transplant demand still far outstrips organ supply. So it’s worth noting one more idea to increase supply: transplanting kidneys from donors with cancer.

Surgeons at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore have transplanted five kidneys from which they had removed small masses, three of which were cancerous, according to a paper in the urology journal BJUI. Four of the five patients have survived between nine months and 41 months so far without any evidence of recurring tumors. The fifth transplant patient died about a year after the operation because of a fall in an accident.

“Transplanting a living donor kidney which has been affected by a renal mass is

controversial and considered a high risk” urologist Michael W Phelan, co-author of the study, said in a statement. “However the ongoing shortage of organs from deceased donors, and the high risk of dying while waiting for a transplant, prompted five donors and recipients to push

ahead with surgery after the small masses were found in the donor kidneys.”

More than 4,500 kidney patients died last year because no transplant organ was available, and 82,000 patients were on the waiting list for a kidney as of last month, according to the National Kidney Foundation.

Even so, the idea of transplanting kidneys needing to have cancerous masses removed takes getting used to, even for patients at very high risk. And this comes in an arena where there has been no shortage of debate over various attempts to increase the number of transplant organs. See our posts here and here to read more on that.

No Cancer Risk From Increased Mobile

Dial or no dial? The latest study gives the all clear

Increased use of mobile phones since the late 1990s is not causing a rise in the frequency of brain tumours, a Scandinavian study has found.

The survey of cancers reported among 16 million adults in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden found no related, observable change in the incidence of cases up until 2003.

Published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, the research covers a more recent period than previous studies. It suggests that if there is any risk from regular use of mobile phones, it would take more than five to 10 years for the tumours to appear.

"The [cause] of brain tumours is poorly understood," the paper, written by Isabelle Deltour of the Danish Cancer Society and others, says. "The only well-established risk factors – ionizing radiation and rare hereditary syndromes – account for a small proportion of brain tumour cases."

The study was based on 59,984 brain tumour cases diagnosed between 1974 and 2003 among 16 million adults aged 20–79 years.

But Deltour said she had found no evidence that using mobile phones increased the risk of brain tumours.

She said: "Radio frequency electromagnetic fields emitted from mobile phones have been proposed as a risk factor for brain tumours; however, a biological mechanism that could explain the potential effect of radio frequency electromagnetic fields in the risk of brain tumours has not been identified.

"During the study period, there was a gradual increase in tumours, but these were almost all observed in the older segment of the population, among the 60- to 79-year-olds.

"From 1974 to 2003, brain tumour incidence rates in Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden were stable, decreased, or continued a gradual increase that started before the introduction of mobile phones. No change in incidence trends was observed from 1998 to 2003, the time when possible associations between mobile phone use and cancer risk would be informative about an induction period of five to 10 years."

The survey's conclusions are consistent with findings of a number of recent papers by other Nordic and British investigations. It contradicts a 2006 study by Swedish scientists that suggested there was "substantially increased risks" for both short- and long-term users of mobiles.

The Interphone inquiry, overseen by the World Health Organisation, has, however, suggested that there may be a slightly heightened long-term risk for heavy users of mobiles.

Calling for further follow-up studies to check that there is no danger, the researchers caution that "open questions about prolonged exposures remain".

The paper concludes that: "The lack of a detectable trend change in incidence rates up to 2003 suggests that [either] the induction period for brain tumours associated with mobile phone use exceeds five to 10 years, the increased risk of brain tumours associated with mobile phone use in this population is too small to be observed, the risk is restricted to subgroups of brain tumors or mobile phone users, or that there is no increased risk associated with mobile phone use."

The UK's Mobile Operators Association (MOA) welcomed the findings in the new study.
Mike Dolan, executive director of MOA, said: "The research reported no increase in incidence rates of brain tumours during a period when mobile phone use increased in Nordic countries.

"This finding is consistent with previous studies in this field and will form part of the overall body of scientific research. The UK mobile phone operators are supporting a large cohort study which is a recommendation of this paper."