Other Cancer Center

Cancer is a group of more than 100 different diseases that can occur within any part of the body. Cancer occurs when cells become abnormal and keep dividing and forming more cells without control or order. Normally, cells divide within the body to produce more cells only when the body needs them. If cells keep dividing when new cells are not needed, a mass of tissue forms. This mass of extra tissue, called a growth or tumor, can be benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous.)

According to the National Cancer Institute, This year, an estimated 1.2 million Americans will be diagnosed with cancer. Avoiding tobacco use is the single most important step Americans can take to reduce the cancer burden in this country. The NCI’s 2001 Cancer Progress Report offers these suggestions for behavioral and exposure changes to prevent cancer:

• Not using cigarettes or other tobacco products
• Not drinking too much alcohol
• Eating five or more daily servings of fruits and vegetables
• Eating a low-fat diet
• Maintaining or reaching a healthy weight
• Being physically active
• Protecting skin from sunlight

Certain chemicals in the environment are known to cause cancer:

• Secondhand smoke (also known as environmental tobacco smoke)
• Radon in the home
• Benzene in the air

Avoiding exposure to these substances will also greatly reduce the likelihood of developing cancer.

There are a number of different methods used to treat cancer. Surgery, radiation and chemotherapy are three common forms of treatment that have been used effectively for a number of years. At Cancer Treatment Centers of America, we use many tools to help you fight cancer on all fronts. Your type of cancer, the extent of your disease, and your general state of health are all influential factors in determining the most appropriate treatment combination. A powerful combination of proven traditional and new, innovative therapies are provided by cancer experts who work with you to determine the most effective combination. CTCA is with you every step of the way in what truly is the fight of your life.