American cancer society

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A cell that degenerates into a tumor cell does usually not acquire all these properties at once, but its daughter cells are selected to build them. This process is called cellular evolution. A first step in the development of a tumor cell is usually a small change in the DNA, often a point mutation, which leads, among other things, to a genetic instability of the cell. The instability increases to a point where the cell loses whole chromosomes, or has double ones. Also, the DNA methylation pattern of the cell changes, activating and deactivating genes more or less at random. Cells that divide at a high rate, such as stem cells, show a higher risk of becoming tumor cells than those which divide less or not at all, for example neurons. If the initial tumor cell (or group of tumor cells) is not removed by the immune system, it will develop into cancer.

Treatment of cancer typically involves surgery to remove tumors and nearby lymph nodes to which the cancer may have spread, combined with radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy. The latter two target cells in the body that are rapidly dividing. This includes the cancer cells but also certain healthy ones, which is the reason for the severe side effects of these treatments.

The field of medicine concerned with the treatment of cancer is oncology. Cancer has become an important problem with the rise in life expectancy, as the abovementioned mutations become more likely the longer a person lives. Though great progress in treatment has been made, most cancers in advanced stages remain incurable and ultimately fatal.

About.com: Cancer
Presents general overview information on many of the main kinds of tumors. Includes news, doctor search, glossary and access to support hotlines.
ZoeMed.com: Cancer Life Center
Presents an array of resources. Supported in partnership by the Ortho Biotech pharmaceutical firm.
USnews.com: Best Cancer Hospitals
Ranking by the magazine of the fifty top cancer hospitals in the United States.
On Top Of Cancer
Links-based guide to Internet resource.
CancerDirect
Patient consultation service offering treatment advice, online second opinions and oncologist referral for individual disease.

American cancer society