What is cancer?
Cancer refers to any one of a large number of diseases that are caused by abnormal cells multiplying uncontrollably. The abnormal cells can get into normal, healthy tissues and destroy it. Cancer also has the ability to spread throughout the body, and cause many complications.
What causes cancer?
Personal/Family History of Cancer, Age, Smoking, Drinking, Obesity, Poor Diet and Exercise, and Frequent Exposure to Toxic Air Pollutants (chemicals, smoke, mold, etc.)
What can cancer lead to?
Weight loss, chemical changes to your body, brain and nervous system problems, cancer that spreads, cancer that returns
What can you do to prevent it?
Although cancer is not completely preventable—especially if you are at a higher risk because of past family history—exercising regularly, eating a well-balanced diet, avoid smoking, limiting alcohol intake, and living in a clean environment helps.
Resources
Mayo Clinic http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cancer/basics/definition/con-20032378
WebMD http://www.webmd.com/cancer/default.htm
Special Thanks
Derek Chang graduated with a Bachelors degree in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Utah. Go Utes! He was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. He aspires to become a physician-entrepreneur to find and create new ways of improving overall patient health. He enjoys skiing, hiking, camping, reading books, meeting new people, and learning anything new.
