Meredith & Jeannie Ray Cancer Center
What is Cancer?

A person develops cancer when his or her cells rapidly divide and form new cells that the body does not need resulting in a mass of extra cells called a growth or tumor. Tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Benign tumors can often be removed and are rarely a health threat.

The cancerous cells in malignant tumors will continue to divide and grow until they damage surrounding tissues and organs. They can also spread to other organs and areas of the body; this is called metastasis.

Cancer develops over time and can be caused by a variety of factors including lifestyle, heredity, and environment. Your physician can discuss possible risk factors of cancer with you, as well as suggest an appropriate screening program.

Cancer treatment has changed dramatically over the past decade and researchers continue to make advancements in the field. New therapies are emerging constantly and you and your medical oncologist will discuss the best course of treatment.

There are many sources of cancer information and we have reliable sources and information available for you. Please ask your oncology nurse for additional information.

Additional Credible Sources

National Cancer Institute (NCI)
http://www.nci.nih.gov
1-800-4-CANCER

 American Cancer Society (ACS)
http://www.cancer.org
1-800-ACS-2345

Additional Resources

• Association of Cancer Online Resources (www.acor.org)
• Association of Community Cancer Centers (www.assoc-cancer-ctrs.org)
• Cancer Care, Inc. (www.cancercare.org)
• Cancer Fatigue - interactive source where online oncology nurses answer questions from cancer patients and their caregivers (www.cancerfatigue.org)
• Cancer Information and Support International (www.cancer-info.com)
• Cancer News on the Net (www.cancernews.com)
• Caring Bridge (www.caringbridge.org)
• Center Watch - Clinical Trials Listing Service (www.centerwatch.com)
• Healthfinderﾮ by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (www.healthfinder.gov)
• US Oncology www.usoncology.com
• Colorado Cancer Resource Guide (www.CCRGonline.org)
• Doctor Koop.Com (www.drkoop.com)
• Food and Drug Administration (www.fda.gov)
• National Lymphedema Network (www.lymphnet.org)
• Nutrition Information (www.5aday.com)
• Oncolink - The University of Pennsylvania Cancer Center (www.oncolink.upenn.edu)
• Patient Advocate Foundation (www.patientadvocate.org)
  or call 1-800-532-5274
• People Living with Cancer (www.plwc.org)