Cancer Awareness 
Months and Ribbons

Cervical Cancer

Cervical Cancer is a cancer arising from the cervix or in the any layer of the wall of the cervix.  It is due to the abnormal growth of cells that have the ability to invade or spread to other parts of the body.

Early on, typically no symptoms are seen.  Later symptoms may include abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain or pain during sexual intercourse. While bleeding after sex may not be serious, it may also indicate the presence of cervical cancer.

Human papillomavirus infection (HPV) causes more than 90% of cases; most who have had HPV infections, however, do not develop cervical cancer.  HPV 16 and 18 strains are responsible for nearly 50% of high grade cervical pre-cancers.

Other risk factors include smoking, a weak immune system, birth control pills, starting sex at a young age, and having many sexual partners, but these are less important. Genetic factors also contribute to cervical cancer risk.

Cervical cancer typically develops from precancerous changes called cervical intraepithelial neoplasia over 10 to 20 years.

About 90% of cervical cancer cases are squamous cell carcinomas, 10% are adenocarcinoma, and a small number are other types.  Diagnosis is typically by cervical screening followed by a biopsy.  Medical imaging is then done to determine whether or not the cancer has spread.

Cervical Cancer Information

The links below will take you directly to the website's pages on Cervical Cancer

American Cancer Society

Foundation for Women's Cancer

MedicineNet

Medline Plus

Prevent Cancer

WebMD

Cervical Cancer Resources

Cervical Cancer Action

Cervical Cancer Foundation

City of Hope

Cure Cervical Cancer.org

National Cervical Cancer Coalition

Smart Patients - Cervical Cancer Clinical Trials

Smart Patients - Cervical Cancer Community

Together for Health

Cervical Cancer International Resources

Australian Cervical Cancer Foundation

Cancer Research UK - Cervical cancer resources and support organizations

European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO)

Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust (UK)

Cervical Cancer - Crowdfunding

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Gallbladder & Bile Duct Cancer

Gallbladder cancer is a relatively uncommon cancer, with an incidence of fewer than 2 cases per 100,000 people per year in the United States. It is particularly common in central and South America, central and eastern Europe, Japan and northern India; it is also common in certain ethnic groups e.g. Native American Indians and Hispanics.

If it is diagnosed early enough, it can be cured by removing the gallbladder, part of the liver and associated lymph nodes. Most often it is found after symptoms such as abdominal pain, jaundice and vomiting occur, and it has spread to other organs such as the liver.

It is a rare cancer that is thought to be related to gallstones building up, which also can lead to calcification of the gallbladder, a condition known as porcelain gallbladder.

Cholangiocarcinoma, also known as bile duct cancer, is a type of cancer that forms in the bile ducts. 

Symptoms of cholangiocarcinoma may include abdominal pain, yellowish skin, weight loss, generalized itching, and fever.  Light colored stool or dark urine may also occur.  Other biliary tract cancers include gallbladder cancer and cancer of the ampulla of Vater.

Cholangiocarcinoma is typically incurable at diagnosis which is why early detection is ideal. In these cases palliative treatments may include surgical resection, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and stenting procedures.

In about a third of cases involving the common bile duct and less commonly with other locations the tumor can be completely removed by surgery offering a chance of a cure. Even when surgical removal is successful chemotherapy and radiation therapy are generally recommended.

In certain cases surgery may include a liver transplantation. Even when surgery is successful the 5-year survival is typically less than 50%.

Gallbladder & Bile Duct Cancer Information

The links below will take you directly to the website's pages on Gallbladder & Bile Duct Cancer

Cancer.Net - Gallbladder Cancer

Cancer.Net - Bile Duct Cancer

John Hopkins - Gallbladder Disease

Johns Hopkins - Bile Duct Cancer

MedicineNet - Bile Duct Cancer

Medline Plus - Gallbladder Cancer

Medline Plus - Bile Duct Cancer

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center - Gallbladder Cancer

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center - Bile Duct Cancer

National Cancer Institute - Gallbladder Cancer

National Cancer Institute - Bile Duct Cancer

Gallbladder & Bile Duct Cancer Resources

City of Hope - Bile Duct Cancer

City of Hope - Gallbladder Cancer

The Cholangiocarinoma Foundation

Gallbladder & Bile-Duct Cancer International Resources

Gallbladder & Bile Duct Cancer - Crowdfunding

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Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC), also known as bowel cancer, colon cancer, or rectal cancer, is the development of cancer from the colon or rectum (parts of the large intestine).

Signs and symptoms may include blood in the stool, a change in bowel movements, weight loss, abdominal pain and fatigue. Most colorectal cancers are due to old age and lifestyle factors, with only a small number of cases due to underlying genetic disorders. Risk factors include diet, obesity, smoking, and lack of physical activity. Dietary factors that increase the risk include red meat, processed meat, and alcohol. Another risk factor is inflammatory bowel disease, which includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Some of the inherited genetic disorders that can cause colorectal cancer include familial adenomatous polyposis and hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer; however, these represent less than 5% of cases. It typically starts as a benign tumor, often in the form of a polyp, which over time becomes cancerous.

Colorectal cancer may be diagnosed by obtaining a sample of the colon during a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. This is then followed by medical imaging to determine whether the disease has spread.

Treatments used for colorectal cancer may include some combination of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy.

Cancers that are confined within the wall of the colon may be curable with surgery, while cancer that has spread widely is usually not curable, with management being directed towards improving quality of life and symptoms.

The five-year survival rate in the United States was around 65% in 2014. The individual likelihood of survival depends on how advanced the cancer is, whether or not all the cancer can be removed with surgery, and the person's overall health.

Colorectal Cancer Information

The links below will take you directly to the website's pages on Colorectal Cancer

American Cancer Society

Cancer.Net

Mayo Clinic

MedicineNet

Medline Plus

National Cancer Institute

WebMD

Colorectal Cancer Resources

Colon Cancer Alliance

Colon Cancer Coalition

Fight Colorectal Cancer

Global Colon Cancer Association

Meredith's Miracles Colon Cancer Foundation

Never Too Young for Colon Cancer

Smart Patients - Colorectal Clinical Trials

Smart Patients - Colorectal Cancer Community

Susan Cohan Colon Cancer Foundation

The Colon Club

The Pelican Foundation

Colorectal Cancer International Resources

Bowel Cancer (UK)

Cancer Research UK - Colorectal Cancer resources and support organizations

Colorectal Cancer - Crowdfunding

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Kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer, also known as Renal cancer, is a group of cancers that starts in the kidney. Symptoms may include blood in the urine, a lump in the abdomen, or back pain. Fever, weight loss, and tiredness may also occur. The main types of kidney cancer are renal cell cancer (RCC), transitional cell cancer (TCC), and Wilms' tumor.

RCC makes up approximately 80% of kidney cancers, and TCC accounts for most of the rest. Risk factors for RCC and TCC include smoking, certain pain medications, previous bladder cancer, being overweight, high blood pressure, certain chemicals, and a family history. Risk factors for Wilms' tumor include a family history and certain genetic disorders such as WAGR syndrome. Diagnosis may be suspected based on symptoms, urine testing, and medical imaging. It is confirmed by tissue biopsy.

Treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. Onset is usually after the age of 45. Males are affected more often than females. The overall five-year survival rate is 75% in the United States, 71% in Canada, 70% in China, and 60% in Europe.

For cancers that are confined to the kidney, the five-year survival rate is 93%, if it has spread to the surrounding lymph nodes it is 70%, and if it has spread widely, it is 12%.

Kidney Cancer Information

The links below will take you directly to the website's pages on Kidney Cancer

American Cancer Society

Cancer.Net

Cleveland Clinic

Mayo Clinic

National Cancer Institute

Urology Care Foundation

WebMd

Kidney Cancer Resources

ACKC - Action to Cure Kidney Cancer

Kidney Cancer Association

Kure it Cancer Research

National Kidney Foundation

Smart Patients - Kidney Disease Clinical Trials

Smart Patients - Kidney Disease Community

Smart Patients - Kidney Cancer Clinical Trials

Smart Patients - Kidney Cancer Community

Kidney Cancer International Resources

Kidney Cancer Canada

Kidney Cancer UK - Kidney Cancer resources and support organizations

Kidney Cancer - Crowdfunding

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Multiple Myeloma Cancer

Multiple Myeloma Cancer is a cancer of plasma cells, a type of white blood cell normally responsible for producing antibodies.

In multiple myeloma, collections of abnormal plasma cells accumulate in the bone marrow, where they interfere with the production of normal blood cells.

Most cases of multiple myeloma also feature the production of a paraprotein—an abnormal antibody which can cause kidney problems. Bone lesions and hypercalcemia (high blood calcium levels) are also often encountered.

The cause of multiple myeloma is unknown. Risk factors include obesity, radiation exposure, family history, age and certain chemicals. There is an increased risk of multiple myeloma in certain occupations. This is due to the occupational exposure to aromatic hydrocarbon solvents having a role in causation of multiple myeloma.

Multiple myeloma may develop from monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) that progresses to smoldering myeloma. The abnormal plasma cells produce abnormal antibodies, which can cause kidney problems and overly thick blood. The plasma cells can also form a mass in the bone marrow or soft tissue.  When one tumor is present, it is called a plasmacytoma; more than one is called multiple myeloma.

Multiple myeloma is diagnosed based on blood or urine tests finding abnormal antibody proteins - (often using electrophoretic techniques revealing the presence of a monoclonal spike in the results - termed an m-spike), bone marrow biopsy finding cancerous plasma cells, and medical imaging finding bone lesions. Another common finding is high blood calcium levels.

Multiple Myeloma Cancer Information

The links below will take you directly to the website's pages on Multiple Myeloma

American Cancer Society

Cancer.Net

Cleveland Clinic

Mayo Clinic

MedicineNet

Medscape

Multiple Myeloma Cancer Resources

International Myeloma Foundation

Testicular Cancer

is cancer that develops in the testicles, a part of the male reproductive system.

Not all lumps on the testicles are tumors, and not all tumors are malignant (cancerous).

There are many other conditions, such as testicular microlithiasis, epididymal cysts, and appendix testis (hydatid of Morgagni), which may be painful but are non-cancerous.

Testicular cancer has one of the highest cure rates of all cancers with an average five-year survival rate of 95%.

If the cancer has not spread outside the testicle, the 5-year survival is 99% while if it has grown into nearby structures or has spread to nearby lymph nodes, the rate is 96% and if it has spread to organs or lymph nodes away from the testicles, the 5-year survival is around 74%.

Even for the relatively few cases in which cancer has spread widely, chemotherapy offers a cure rate of at least 80%.

Globally testicular cancer affected about 686,000 people in 2015. That year it resulted in 9,400 deaths up from 7,000 deaths in 1990. Rates are lower in the developing than the developed world.

Onset most commonly occurs in males 20 to 34 years old, rarely before 15 years old. The five-year survival rate in the United States is about 95%. Outcomes are better when the disease remains localized.

Testicular Cancer Information:

The links below will take you directly to the website's pages on Testicular Cancer

American Cancer Society

Cancer.Net

Fred Hutch Cancer Center

Mayo Clinic

MedicineNet

National Cancer Institute

Urology Care Foundation

Testicular Cancer Resources:

Testicular Cancer International Resources:

Testicular Cancer - Crowdfunding

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Esophageal Cancer

Esophageal cancer (or oesophageal cancer) is cancer arising from the esophagus—the food pipe that runs between the throat and the stomach.

Symptoms often include difficulty in swallowing and weight loss. Other symptoms may include pain when swallowing, a hoarse voice, enlarged lymph nodes ("glands") around the collarbone, a dry cough, and possibly coughing up or vomiting blood.

The two main sub-types of the disease are esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma (often abbreviated to ESCC), which is more common in the developing world, and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), which is more common in the developed world.  A number of less common types also occur. 

Squamous-cell carcinoma arises from the epithelial cells that line the esophagus. Adenocarcinoma arises from glandular cells present in the lower third of the esophagus, often where they have already transformed to intestinal cell type (a condition known as Barrett's esophagus).

Causes of the squamous-cell type include tobacco, alcohol, very hot drinks, poor diet, and chewing betel nut. The most common causes of the adenocarcinoma type are smoking tobacco, obesity, and acid reflux.

The disease is diagnosed by biopsy done by an endoscope (a fiberoptic camera). Prevention includes stopping smoking and eating a healthy diet. Treatment is based on the cancer's stage and location, together with the person's general condition and individual preferences.

Small localized squamous-cell cancers may be treated with surgery alone with the hope of a cure. In most other cases, chemotherapy with or without radiation therapy is used along with surgery. Larger tumors may have their growth slowed with chemotherapy and radiation therapy. In the presence of extensive disease or if the affected person is not fit enough to undergo surgery, palliative care is often recommended.

Esophageal Cancer Information

The links below will take you directly to the website's pages on Esophageal Cancer

Esophageal Cancer Resources

Esophageal Cancer International Resources

Esophageal Cancer - Crowdfunding

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Head & Neck Cancer

Head and neck cancer develops from tissues in the lip and oral cavity (mouth), larynx (throat), salivary glands, nose, sinuses, or skin of the face. The most common types of head and neck cancer occur in the lips, mouth, and larynx.

Symptoms predominantly include a sore that does not heal or a change in the voice. In those with advanced disease, there may be unusual bleeding, facial pain, numbness or swelling, and visible lumps on the outside of the neck or oral cavity. Given the location of these cancers, it is possible for an afflicted individual to experience difficulty breathing.

The majority of head and neck cancer is caused by the use of alcohol or tobacco, including smokeless tobacco, with increasing cases linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV).

Other risk factors include the Epstein–Barr virus, betel quid, radiation exposure, and certain workplace exposures. About 90% are pathologically classified as squamous cell cancers. The diagnosis is confirmed by a tissue biopsy. The degree of surrounding tissue invasion and distant spread may be determined by medical imaging and blood tests.

Not using tobacco or alcohol can reduce the risk of head and neck cancer.  Head and neck cancer is often curable if it is diagnosed early; however, outcomes are typically poor if it is diagnosed late.

Treatment may include a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. Previous diagnosis and treatment of a head and neck cancer confer a higher risk of developing a second head and neck cancer or recurrence.

Head & Neck Cancer Information:

The links below will take you directly to the website's pages on Head & Neck Cancer

Head & Neck Cancer Resources

Head & Neck Cancer International Resources

Head & Neck Cancer - Crowdfunding

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Melanoma & Skin Cancer

Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer; it develops from the melanin-producing cells known as melanocytes.  It typically occurs in the skin, but may rarely occur in the mouth, intestines, or eye (uveal melanoma). 

In women, melanomas most commonly occur on the legs; while in men, on the back. Melanoma is frequently referred to as malignant melanoma. However, the medical community stresses that there is no such thing as a 'benign melanoma' and recommends that the term 'malignant melanoma' should be avoided as redundant.

About 25% of melanomas develop from moles.  Changes in a mole that can indicate melanoma include increase—especially rapid increase—in size, irregular edges, change in color, itchiness, or skin breakdown.

The primary cause of melanoma is ultraviolet light (UV) exposure in those with low levels of the skin pigment melanin. The UV light may be from the sun or other sources, such as tanning devices. Those with many moles, a history of affected family members, and poor immune function are at greater risk.  A number of rare genetic conditions, such as xeroderma pigmentosum, also increase the risk.   Diagnosis is by biopsy and analysis of any skin lesion that has signs of being potentially cancerous.

Avoiding UV light and using sunscreen in UV-bright sun conditions may prevent melanoma. Treatment typically is removal by surgery of the melanoma and the potentially affected adjacent tissue bordering the melanoma.  In those with slightly larger cancers, nearby lymph nodes may be tested for spread (metastasis). 

Most people are cured if metastasis has not occurred. For those in whom melanoma has spread, immunotherapy, biologic therapy, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy may improve survival.

With treatment, the five-year survival rates in the United States are 99% among those with localized disease, 65% when the disease has spread to lymph nodes, and 25% among those with distant spread. The likelihood that melanoma will reoccur or spread depends on its thickness, how fast the cells are dividing, and whether or not the overlying skin has broken down.

Melanoma and Skin Cancer Information

The links below will take you directly to the website's pages on Melanoma and Skin Cancer

Melanoma and Skin Cancer Resources

Melanoma and Skin Cancer International Resources

Melanoma and Skin Cancer - Crowdfunding

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Brain Cancer

A brain tumor occurs when abnormal cells form within the brain.There are two main types of tumors: malignant (cancerous) tumors and benign (non-cancerous) tumors. These can be further classified as primary tumors, which start within the brain, and secondary tumors, which most commonly have spread from tumors located outside the brain, known as brain metastasis tumors.

All types of brain tumors may produce symptoms that vary depending on the size of the tumor and the part of the brain that is involved. Where symptoms exist, they may include headaches, seizures, problems with vision, vomiting and mental changes. Other symptoms may include difficulty walking, speaking, with sensations, or unconsciousness.

The cause of most brain tumors is unknown, though up to 4% of brain cancers may be caused by CT scan radiation.  Uncommon risk factors include exposure to vinyl chloride, Epstein–Barr virus, ionizing radiation, and inherited syndromes such as neurofibromatosis, tuberous sclerosis, and von Hippel-Lindau Disease.  Studies on mobile phone exposure have not shown a clear risk. The most common types of primary tumors in adults are meningiomas (usually benign) and astrocytomas such as glioblastomas.

In children, the most common type is a malignant medulloblastoma. Diagnosis is usually by medical examination along with computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The result is then often confirmed by a biopsy. Based on the findings, the tumors are divided into different grades of severity.

Treatment may include some combination of surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.  If seizures occur, anticonvulsant medication may be needed.  Dexamethasone and furosemide are medications that may be used to decrease swelling around the tumor. Some tumors grow gradually, requiring only monitoring and possibly needing no further intervention. 

Outcomes for malignant tumors vary considerably depending on the type of tumor and how far it has spread at diagnosis. Although benign tumors only grow in one area, they may still be life-threatening depending on their size and location. Malignant glioblastomas usually have very poor outcomes, while benign meningiomas usually have good outcomes

Brain Cancer Information

The links below will take you directly to the website's pages on Brain Cancer

Brain Cancer Resources

Brain Cancer International Resources

Brain Cancer - Crowdfunding

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Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer is any of several types of cancer arising from the tissues of the urinary bladder. Symptoms include blood in the urine, pain with urination, and low back pain. It is caused when epithelial cells that line the bladder become malignant.

Bladder cancer characteristically causes blood in the urine, which may be visible or detectable only by microscope. Blood in the urine is the most common symptom in bladder cancer, and is painless.

Visible blood in the urine may be of only short duration, and a urine test may be required to confirm non-visible blood. Between 80 and 90% of people with bladder cancer initially presented with visible blood. Blood in the urine may also be caused by other conditions, such as bladder or ureteric stones, infection, kidney disease, kidney cancers or vascular malformations, though these conditions (except kidney cancers) would typically be painful.

Other possible symptoms include pain during urination, frequent urination, or feeling the need to urinate without being able to do so. These signs and symptoms are not specific to bladder cancer, and may also be caused by non-cancerous conditions, including prostate infections, overactive bladder or cystitis. Some rare forms of bladder cancer like urachal adenocarcinoma produce mucin, which is then excreted in the urine causing it to be thick.

Risk factors for bladder cancer include smoking, family history, prior radiation therapy, frequent bladder infections, and exposure to certain chemicals. Diagnosis is typically by cystoscopy with tissue biopsies. Staging of the cancer is determined by transurethral resection and medical imaging.

Treatment depends on the stage of the cancer. It may include some combination of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy. Surgical options may include transurethral resection, partial or complete removal of the bladder, or urinary diversion. The typical five-year survival rates in the United States is 77%, Canada is 75%, and Europe is 68%.]

Bladder Cancer Information:

The links below will take you directly to the website's pages on Bladder Cancer

Bladder Cancer Resources:

Bladder Cancer International Resources:

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Cancer Survivor
Awareness
Month

Sarcoma Cancer

A sarcoma is a malignant tumor, a type of cancer that arises from cells of connective tissue (mesenchymal) origin. 

Connective tissue is a broad term that includes bone, cartilage, fat, vascular, or other structural tissues, and sarcomas can arise in any of these types of tissues.  As a result, there are many subtypes of sarcoma, which are classified based on the specific tissue and type of cell from which the tumor originates.

Sarcomas are primary connective tissue tumors, meaning that they arise in connective tissues.  This is in contrast to secondary (or "metastatic") connective tissue tumors, which occur when a cancer from elsewhere in the body (such as the lungs, breast tissue or prostate) spreads to the connective tissue. Sarcomas are one of five different types of cancer, classified by the cell type from which they originate.

Symptoms of soft-tissue sarcomas vary, but they often present as firm, often times painless lumps or nodules.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST, a subtype of soft-tissue sarcoma) often are asymptomatic, but can be associated with vague complaints of abdominal pain, bleeding into the intestines, a feeling of fullness, or other signs of intestinal obstruction.

Symptoms of bone sarcomas typically include bone pain, especially at night, and swelling around the site of the tumor.

Sarcoma Cancer Information

The links below will take you directly to the website's pages on Sarcoma Cancer

Sarcoma Cancer Resources

Sarcoma Cancer International Resources

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Childhood Cancer

Childhood cancer (also known as pediatric cancer) is cancer in a child.

In the United States, an arbitrarily adopted standard of the ages used are 0–14 years inclusive, that is, up to 14 years 11.9 months of age.

However, the definition of childhood cancer sometimes includes young adults between 15–19 years old.

The most common cancers in children are (childhood) leukemia (34%), brain tumors (23%), and lymphomas (12%).

Pediatric oncology is the branch of medicine concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in children.

Childhood Cancer Information

The links below will take you directly to the website's pages on Childhood Cancer

Childhood Cancer Resources

Childhood Cancer International Resources

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Gynecological Cancer

Gynecologic cancer is a type of cancer that affects the female reproductive system, including ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, vaginal cancer, cervical cancer, and vulvar cancer.

Signs and symptoms usually vary depending on the type of cancer. The most common symptoms across all gynecological cancers are abnormal vaginal bleeding, vaginal discharge, pelvic pain and urination difficulties.

Gynecological cancers comprise 10-15% of women's cancers, mainly affecting women past reproductive age but posing threats to fertility for younger patients.

The most common route for treatment is combination therapy, consisting of a mix of both surgical and non-surgical interventions (radiotherapy, chemotherapy).

Gynecological Cancer Information

The links below will take you directly to the website's pages on Gynecological Cancer

Gynecological Cancer Resources

Gynecological Cancer International Resources

Gynecological Cancer - Crowdfunding

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Leukemia Cancer

Leukemia, also spelled leukaemia, is a group of cancers that usually begin in the bone marrow and result in high numbers of abnormal white blood cells.

These white blood cells are not fully developed and are called blasts or leukemia cells.

Symptoms may include bleeding and bruising problems, feeling tired, fever, and an increased risk of infections. These symptoms occur due to a lack of normal blood cells. 

Diagnosis is typically made by blood tests or bone marrow biopsy.

The exact cause of leukemia is unknown. Different kinds of leukemia are believed to have different causes.

Both inherited and environmental (non-inherited) factors are believed to be involved.

Risk factors include smoking, ionizing radiation, some chemicals (such as benzene), prior chemotherapy, and Down syndrome.

People with a family history of leukemia are also at higher risk.

There are four main types of leukemia:

• Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)
• Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML),
• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
• Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)

There are also a number of less common types of leukemia.

Leukemias and lymphomas both belong to a broader group of tumors that affect the blood, bone marrow, and lymphoid system, known as tumors of the hematopoietic and lymphoid tissues.

Leukemia Information

The links below will take you directly to the website's pages on Leukemia Cancer

Leukemia Resources

Leukemia Cancer International Resources

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Lymphoma Cancer

Lymphoma is a group of blood and lymph tumors that develop from lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell). The name typically refers to just the cancerous versions rather than all such tumours. Signs and symptoms may include enlarged lymph nodes, fever, drenching sweats, unintended weight loss, itching, and constantly feeling tired. The enlarged lymph nodes are usually painless.  The sweats are most common at night.

Many subtypes of lymphomas are known. The two main categories of lymphomas are the non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) (90% of cases) and Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) (10%).  Lymphomas, leukemias and myelomas are a part of the broader group of tumors of the hematopoietic and lymphoid tissues.

Risk factors for Hodgkin lymphoma include infection with Epstein–Barr virus and a history of the disease in the family.  Risk factors for common types of non-Hodgkin lymphomas include autoimmune diseases, HIV/AIDS, infection with human T-lymphotropic virus, immunosuppressant medications, and some pesticides. 

Diagnosis, if enlarged lymph nodes are present, is usually by lymph node biopsy.   Blood, urine, and bone marrow testing may also be useful in the diagnosis. Medical imaging may then be done to determine if and where the cancer has spread. Lymphoma most often spreads to the lungs, liver, and brain.

Treatment may involve one or more of the following: chemotherapy, radiation therapy, proton therapy, targeted therapy, and surgery.  In some non-Hodgkin lymphomas, an increased amount of protein produced by the lymphoma cells causes the blood to become so thick that plasmapheresis is performed to remove the protein.  The outcome depends on the subtype with some being curable and treatment prolonging survival in most.

Lymphoma Cancer Information

The links below will take you directly to the website's pages on Lymphoma Cancer

Lymphoma Cancer Resources

Lymphoma Cancer International Resources

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Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is a cancerous tumor of an ovary. It may originate from the ovary itself or more commonly from communicating nearby structures such as fallopian tubes or the inner lining of the abdomen.

The ovary is made up of three different cell types including epithelial cells, germ cells, and stromal cells.  When these cells become abnormal, they have the ability to divide and form tumors.

These cells can also invade or spread to other parts of the body.  When this process begins, there may be no or only vague symptoms.  Symptoms become more noticeable as the cancer progresses.  These symptoms may include bloating, vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, abdominal swelling, constipation, and loss of appetite, among others. 

Early signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer may be absent or subtle.  In most cases, symptoms exist for several months before being recognized and diagnosed. 

Symptoms can often be misdiagnosed as irritable bowel syndrome.  The early stages of ovarian cancer tend to be painless which makes it difficult to detect it early on. Symptoms can vary based on the sub-type.

Treatment usually includes some combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Outcomes depend on the extent of the disease, the sub-type of cancer present, and other medical conditions.

The risk of ovarian cancer increases with age. Most cases of ovarian cancer develop after menopause.  It is also more common in women who have ovulated more over their lifetime.  This includes those who have never had children, those who began ovulation at a younger age and those who reach menopause at an older age. 

Epithelial ovarian carcinoma is the most common type of ovarian cancer, comprising more than 95% of cases. There are five main subtypes of ovarian carcinoma, of which high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) is the most common.

Less common types of ovarian cancer include germ cell tumors and sex cord stromal tumors. A diagnosis of ovarian cancer is confirmed through a biopsy of tissue, usually removed during surgery.

Those at very high risk may have their ovaries removed as a preventive measure. If caught and treated in an early stage, ovarian cancer is often curable.

Ovarian Cancer Information

The links below will take you directly to the website's pages on Ovarian Cancer

American Cancer Society

Cleveland Clinic

Mayo Clinic

MedicineNet

WebMD

Ovarian Cancer Resources

Ovarian Cancer International Resources

Ovarian Cancer - Crowdfunding

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Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the uncontrolled growth of cells in the prostate, a gland in the male reproductive system below the bladder.

Early prostate cancer causes no symptoms. Abnormal growth of prostate tissue is usually detected through screening tests, typically blood tests that check for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. Those with high levels of PSA in their blood are at increased risk for developing prostate cancer.

Diagnosis requires a biopsy of the prostate. If cancer is present, the pathologist assigns a Gleason score, and a higher score represents a more dangerous tumor. Medical imaging is performed to look for cancer that has spread outside the prostate. Based on the Gleason score, PSA levels, and imaging results, a cancer case is assigned a stage 1 to 4. A higher stage signifies a more advanced, more dangerous disease.

Most prostate tumors remain small and cause no health problems. These are managed with active surveillance, monitoring the tumor with regular tests to ensure it has not grown. Tumors more likely to be dangerous can be destroyed with radiation therapy or surgically removed by radical prostatectomy.

Prostate cancer prognosis depends on how far the cancer has spread at diagnosis. Most men diagnosed have tumors confined to the prostate; 99% of them survive more than 10 years from their diagnoses. Tumors that have metastasized to distant body sites are most dangerous, with five-year survival rates of 30–40%.

Prostate Cancer Information

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Prostate Cancer Resources

Prostate Cancer International Resources

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Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid cancer is a cancer originating from follicular or parafollicular thyroid cells.

These cells give rise to both well-differentiated cancers—papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) and follicular thyroid cancer (FTC)—and anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC), whose anaplastic cells are poorly differentiated.

The second cell type, the C or parafollicular cell, produces the hormone calcitonin and is the cell of origin for medullary thyroid cancer (MTC).

The most effective management of aggressive thyroid cancers is surgical removal of thyroid gland (thyroidectomy) followed by radioactive iodine ablation and TSH-suppression therapy.

Chemotherapy or radiotherapy may also be used in cases of distant metastases or advanced cancer stage.

Five year survival rates are 97.8% in the United States.

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Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is cancer that develops from breast tissue.

Signs of breast cancer may include a lump in the breast, a change in breast shape, dimpling of the skin, fluid coming from the nipple, or a red scaly patch of skin.

In those with distant spread of the disease, there may be bone pain, swollen lymph nodes, shortness of breath, or yellow skin.

Risk factors for developing breast cancer include: female sex, obesity, lack of physical exercise, drinking alcohol, hormone replacement therapy during menopause, ionizing radiation, early age at first menstruation, having children late or not at all, older age, and family history.

About 5–10% of cases are due to genes inherited from a person's parents, including BRCA1 and BRCA2 among others.

Breast cancer most commonly develops in cells from the lining of milk ducts and the lobules that supply the ducts with milk.

Cancers developing from the ducts are known as ductal carcinomas, while those developing from lobules are known as lobular carcinomas.

In addition, there are more than 18 other sub-types of breast cancer. Some cancers develop from pre-invasive lesions such as ductal carcinoma in situ.

The diagnosis of breast cancer is confirmed by taking a biopsy of the concerning lump.

Once the diagnosis is made, further tests are done to determine if the cancer has spread beyond the breast and which treatments it may respond to.

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Liver Cancer

Liver cancer, also known as hepatic cancer, is a cancer that originates in the liver.

Liver tumors are discovered on medical imaging equipment (often by accident) or present themselves symptomatically as an abdominal mass, abdominal pain, yellow skin, nausea or liver dysfunction.

The leading cause of liver cancer is cirrhosis due to either hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or alcohol.

In 2013, 300,000 deaths from liver cancer were due to hepatitis B, 343,000 to hepatitis C and 92,000 to alcohol.

Liver cancers are not the same as liver metastases, which start in another part of the body and spread to the liver.

Liver cancers are formed from either the liver itself or from structures within the liver, including blood vessels or the bile duct.

Primary liver cancer is globally the sixth most frequent cancer, and the second leading cause of cancer death.

In 2012 it occurred in 782,000 people and resulted in 746,000 deaths.

Higher rates of liver cancer occur where hepatitis B and C are common, including East-Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.

Five year survival rates are 17% in the United States. Hepatic is from the Greek hêpar, meaning "liver".

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Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer arises when cells in the pancreas, a glandular organ behind the stomach, begin to multiply out of control and form a mass.

These cancerous cells have the ability to invade other parts of the body.

There are a number of types of pancreatic cancer. The most common, pancreatic adenocarcinoma, accounts for about 85% of cases, and the term "pancreatic cancer" is sometimes used to refer only to that type.

These adenocarcinomas start within the part of the pancreas which makes digestive enzymes. Several other types of cancer, which collectively represent the majority of the non-adenocarcinomas, can also arise from these cells.

One to two in every hundred cases of pancreatic cancer are neuroendocrine tumors, which arise from the hormone-producing cells of the pancreas. These are generally less aggressive than pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Signs and symptoms of the most common form of pancreatic cancer may include yellow skin, abdominal or back pain, unexplained weight loss, light-colored stools, dark urine and loss of appetite.

There are usually no symptoms in the disease's early stages, and symptoms that are specific enough to suggest pancreatic cancer typically do not develop until the disease has reached an advanced stage. By the time of diagnosis, pancreatic cancer has often spread to other parts of the body.

Pancreatic cancer rarely occurs before the age of 40, and more than half of cases of pancreatic adenocarcinoma occur in those over 70.

Risk factors for pancreatic cancer include tobacco smoking, obesity, diabetes, and certain rare genetic conditions.

About 25% of cases are linked to smoking,and 5–10% are linked to inherited genes.

Pancreatic cancer is usually diagnosed by a combination of medical imaging techniques such as ultrasound or computed tomography, blood tests, and examination of tissue samples (biopsy).

The disease is divided into stages, from early (stage I) to late (stage IV). Screening the general population has not been found to be effective.

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Lung Cancer

Lung cancer, also known as lung carcinoma, is a malignant lung tumor characterized by uncontrolled cell growth in tissues of the lung.

If left untreated, this growth can spread beyond the lung by the process of metastasis into nearby tissue or other parts of the body.

Most cancers that start in the lung, known as primary lung cancers, are carcinomas.

The two main types are small-cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) and non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC).

The most common symptoms are coughing (including coughing up blood), weight loss, shortness of breath, and chest pains.[6]

The vast majority (85%) of cases of lung cancer are due to long-term tobacco smoking.

About 10–15% of cases occur in people who have never smoked.

These cases are often caused by a combination of genetic factors and exposure to radon gas, asbestos, second-hand smoke, or other forms of air pollution.

Lung cancer may be seen on chest radiographs and computed tomography (CT) scans.[1] The diagnosis is confirmed by biopsy which is usually performed by bronchoscopy or CT-guidance.

Prevention is by avoiding risk factors including smoking and air pollution.

Treatment and long-term outcomes depend on the type of cancer, the stage (degree of spread), and the person's overall health.

Common treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. NSCLC is sometimes treated with surgery, whereas SCLC usually responds better to chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

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Stomach Cancer

Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, is cancer developing from the lining of the stomach.

Early symptoms may include heartburn, upper abdominal pain, nausea and loss of appetite.

Later signs and symptoms may include weight loss, yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and blood in the stool among others.

The cancer may spread from the stomach to other parts of the body, particularly the liver, lungs, bones, lining of the abdomen and lymph nodes.

The most common cause is infection by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, which accounts for more than 60% of cases.

Certain types of H. pylori have greater risks than others.. The next greatest cause is from the use of non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), accounting for about 25%.

About 10% of cases run in families and between 1% and 3% of cases are due to genetic syndromes inherited from a person's parents such as hereditary diffuse gastric cancer.

Most cases of stomach cancers are gastric carcinomas. This type can be divided into a number of sub-types. Lymphomas and mesenchymal tumors may also develop within the stomach.

Most of the time, stomach cancer develops through a number of stages over a number of years.

Diagnosis is usually by biopsy done during endoscopy.

This is then followed by medical imaging to determine if the disease has spread to other parts of the body.

Japan and South Korea, two countries that have high rates of disease, screen for stomach cancer.

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Carcinoid Cancer

Carcinoid (also carcinoid tumor) is a slow-growing type of neuroendocrine tumor originating in the cells of the neuroendocrine system.

In some cases, metastasis may occur. Carcinoid tumors of the midgut (jejunum, ileum, appendix, and cecum) are associated with carcinoid syndrome.

While most carcinoids are asymptomatic through the natural lifetime and are discovered only upon surgery for unrelated reasons (so-called coincidental carcinoids), all carcinoids are considered to have malignant potential.

About 10% of carcinoids secrete excessive levels of a range of hormones, most notably serotonin (5-HT), causing:   

• Flushing
• Diarrhea
• Wheezing
• Abdominal cramping
• Peripheral edema
  

The outflow of serotonin can cause a depletion of tryptophan leading to niacin deficiency. Niacin deficiency, also known as pellagra, is associated with dermatitis, dementia, and diarrhea.

This constellation of symptoms is called carcinoid syndrome or (if acute) carcinoid crisis. Occasionally, haemorrhage or the effects of tumor bulk are the presenting symptoms.

The most common originating sites of carcinoid is the small bowel, particularly the ileum; carcinoid tumors are the most common malignancy of the appendix. Carcinoid tumors may rarely arise from the ovary or thymus.

They are most commonly found in the midgut at the level of the ileum or in the appendix. The next most common affected area is the respiratory tract, with 28% of all cases — per PAN-SEER data (1973 – 1999). The rectum is also a common site.

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