“Cancer is a generic term for a large group of diseases that can affect any part of the body. Other terms used are malignant tumours and neoplasms”.1

Umbrella
What may the Cancer Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Cancer/s
  • Carcinomas
  • Malignancies
  • Malignant Tumors/Tumours
  • Neoplasms
  • Tumors/Tumours

Terminology

Can cancer mean different things to different people?

I think the term cancer can be like the terms diet, love and menopause and mean different things, to different people, at different times, in different places.

When I use the term cancer what I mean may be different to what someone else means or what is meant in medicaltalk.

It can therefore be important when the term cancer is used to be clear about what’s-what, so we may work out if we are on the same page meaning the same thing, or not.

When the term cancer is used it may also be important to be clear about the type of cancer such as:

  • Bowel Cancer/Cancer of the Colon/Rectum
  • Breast Cancer
  • Cervical Cancer
  • Colorectal Cancer
  • Endometrial Cancer
  • Lung Cancer
  • Other Cancers
  • Ovarian Cancer
  • Uterine Cancer

Definition

What is cancer?

DotS the definition of cancer may vary. The World Health Organization’s (WHO) definition is:

“Cancer is a generic term for a large group of diseases that can affect any part of the body. Other terms used are malignant tumours and neoplasms. One defining feature of cancer is the rapid creation of abnormal cells that grow beyond their usual boundaries, and which can then invade adjoining parts of the body and spread to other organs, the latter process is referred to as metastasizing. Metastases are a major cause of death from cancer”.2

The (United States) National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) definition is:

“Cancer is the name given to a collection of related diseases. In all types of cancer, some of the body’s cells begin to divide without stopping and spread into surrounding tissues”.3

Types

How many types of cancer are there?

In What Is Cancer? Types of Cancer the (United States) National Cancer Institute (NCI) also note:

“There are more than 100 types of cancer. Types of cancer are usually named for the organs or tissues where the cancers form. For example, lung cancer starts in cells of the lung, and brain cancer starts in cells of the brain. Cancers also may be described by the type of cell that formed them, such as an epithelial cell or a squamous cell”.4

Menopause

Is there an association between menopause and cancer?

In Menopause FAQs: Your Health After Menopause – Q. Is There Any Relationship Between Menopause and Cancer? the North American Menopause Society elaborate on:

Cancer
“A. No, menopause itself doesn’t increase the risk of cancer. Cancers are more common as people age, however. Most cancers occur in people age 55 and older”.5

Aging

Is there an association between aging and cancer?

Yes. The International Menopause Society (IMS) note:

“With aging, the incidence of all cancers is expected to increase. For women, the most important cancers are breast, colon, endometrial, ovarian and lung cancer. Also, in the developing world cervical cancer is a major cause of death in women. Possible prevention of these cancers by lifestyle changes and appropriate screening gains more importance after menopause”.6

Diet, Nutrition, Physical Activity

What is the World Cancer Research Fund’s and the American Institute for Cancer Research’s Third Expert Report Diet, Nutrition, Physical Activity and Cancer: a Global Perspective?

About the Third Expert Report Diet, Nutrition, Physical Activity and Cancer: A Global Perspective elaborates on:

“Our Third Expert Report, Diet, Nutrition, Physical Activity and Cancer: A Global Perspective assesses the past decade of cancer prevention research and the links between diet, nutrition, physical activity and cancer”.7

Early Detection

Is there an association between early detection and cancer?

Yes. Cancer Australia explain:

“Finding cancer at an early stage increases the chances of successful treatment and improved survival”.8

Health Care Provider

What if I would like to lower my risk of cancer?

If you would like to lower your risk of cancer, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this.

In Skin Cancer Prevention (PDQ)–Patient Version: Skin Cancer Prevention – Avoiding Risk Factors and Increasing Protective Factors May Help Prevent Cancer the NCI elaborate on:

“Avoiding cancer risk factors may help prevent certain cancers. Risk factors include smoking, being overweight, and not getting enough exercise. Increasing protective factors such as quitting smoking and exercising may also help prevent some cancers. Talk to your doctor or other health care professional about how you might lower your risk of cancer”.9

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics related to Cancer?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Cancer?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.
  1. 9 Myths and Misunderstandings About Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT): 3. Misunderstanding – One-Quarter of Women Who Take MHT Get Breast Cancer
  2. A To Z List of Cancer Drugs
  3. About Cancer
  4. About Cancer
  5. About Cancer
  6. About Gynecologic Cancers
  7. After A Cancer Diagnosis Follow Our Recommendations, If You Can
  8. Alcohol Use and Cancer
  9. American Cancer Society
  10. American Cancer Society Updates Guideline for Diet and Physical Activity
  11. CAM Therapies: A-Z
  12. Can Cancer Be Prevented?
  13. Canadian Cancer Society
  14. Cancer
  15. Cancer
  16. Cancer
  17. Cancer
  18. Cancer Australia
  19. Cancer A–Z
  20. Cancer Basics
  21. Cancer Causes: Popular Myths About the Causes of Cancer
  22. Cancer Council Australia
  23. Cancer Diagnosis: 11 Tips for Coping
  24. Cancer Directory [Australia]: Language
  25. Cancer Facts for Lesbians and Bisexual Women
  26. Cancer Facts for Women
  27. Cancer Information In Other Languages
  28. Cancer Prevention Overview (PDQ)–Patient Version
  29. Cancer Prevention Recommendations
  30. Cancer Prevention and Control
  31. Cancer Research UK
  32. Cancer Survival Toolbox
  33. Cancer Treatment Myths
  34. Cancer Treatment for Women: Possible Sexual Side Effects
  35. Cancer Treatment: Coping With Hair Loss During Chemotherapy [Video]
  36. Cancer Types
  37. Cancer and Hair Loss
  38. Cancer – Multiply Languages
  39. Cancer.Net
  40. Cancer.Net En Español
  41. Canceradvocacy.org [National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship]
  42. Cancercare.org
  43. Cancer– –Living With Cancer
  44. Causes and Prevention [Topics]
  45. Causes of Cancer and Reducing Your Risk
  46. Chemo Brain
  47. Clinicaltrials.gov: Cancer
  48. Coffee and Cancer: What the Research Really Shows
  49. Common Cancer Myths and Misconceptions
  50. Communicating With Your Doctor
  51. Coping With Cancer
  52. Coronavirus, COVID-19, and Cancer
  53. Could This Be Cancer?
  54. Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Services [Cancer Information]
  55. Diet
  56. FAQ
  57. Fightcancer.org [Cancer Action Network, American Cancer Society]
  58. Find A Clinical Trial
  59. Find Cancer Early
  60. Find NCI-Supported Clinical Trials [National Cancer Institute, United States]
  61. For Cancer Prevention Don’t Rely on Supplements
  62. Foundation for Women’s Cancer [Gynecologic]
  63. General Cancer Information
  64. Get Checked – Women: A Cancer Prevention Plan for Women
  65. Glossary: Definitions, & Phonetic Pronunciations
  66. Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month [September, United States] Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month
    Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month
  67. Iheard.com.au
  68. Instituo Nacional Del Cáncer
  69. Interactive Cancer Risk Matrix: Discover How Diet, Nutrition and Physical Activity Affect Cancer Risk
  70. Living With and Beyond Cancer: Overview [Video Interview Stories]
  71. Mayo Clinic Minute: How Integrative Medicine Can Help People With Cancer [+ Video]
  72. Mayo Clinic Q&A Podcast: Cancer and Nutrition
  73. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms [National Cancer Institute, United States]
  74. NCI Fact Sheets [National Cancer Institute, United States]
  75. National Cancer Institute [NCI]
  76. National Cancer Survivors Day Sunday, June 02, 2020
  77. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: 6 Things You Need To Know About Cancer and Complementary Health Approaches
  78. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Cancer: In Depth
  79. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  80. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Know the Science: How Medications and Supplements Can Interact
  81. National LGBT Cancer Network
  82. Nurture Your Emotional Health
  83. OCCAM Office of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine [National Cancer Institute, United States]
  84. Predictive Genetic Tests for Cancer Risk Genes
  85. Questions To Ask Your Doctor About Cancer
  86. Rarecancers.org.au [Rare Cancers Australia]
  87. Sex and the Adult Female With Cancer [Topics]
  88. Stay Healthy
  89. Staying Healthy During and After Cancer Treatment
  90. Stories of Help & Hope
  91. SurvivorNet [United States]
  92. The Truth About Alternative Medical Treatments
  93. Treatment & Support
  94. Types of Cancer
  95. What Is Cancer?
  96. What Is Cancer?
  97. World Cancer Day
  98. World Cancer Day 4 February: I Am and I Will
  99. World Cancer Research Fund and American Institute for Cancer Research: Cancer Prevention Recommendations
  100. World Cancer Research Fund and American Institute for Cancer Research: Diet, Nutrition, Physical Activity and Cancer: A Global Perspective. The Third Expert Report

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Cancer. 12 September 2018. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cancer Accessed: 14 August 2020
  2. Cancer. 12 September 2018. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cancer Accessed: 14 August 2020
  3. What Is Cancer? A Collection of Related Diseases. Updated: 09 February 2015. National Institute of Cancer https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/what-is-cancer#related-diseases Accessed: 14 August 2020
  4. What Is Cancer? Types of Cancer. Updated: 09 February 2015. National Institute of Cancer https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/what-is-cancer#types Accessed: 14 August 2020
  5. Menopause FAQs: Your Health After Menopause – Q. Is There Any Relationship Between Menopause and Cancer? North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopause-faqs-your-health-after-menopause Accessed: 14 August 2020
  6. Maintaining Health and Preventing Disease After the Menopause: Preventing Cancer Post Menopause. 2014:3 International Menopause Society https://www.imsociety.org/downloads/world_menopause_day_2014/booklets/ims_wmd_booklet_2014_english.pdf Accessed: 14 August 2020
  7. World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute for Cancer Research. About the Third Expert Report Diet, Nutrition, Physical Activity and Cancer: A Global Perspective https://www.wcrf.org/dietandcancer/about Accessed: 14 August 2020
  8. Screening. Cancer Australia https://canceraustralia.gov.au/healthy-living/screening Accessed: 14 August 2020
  9. Skin Cancer Prevention (PDQ)–Patient Version: Skin Cancer Prevention – Avoiding Risk Factors and Increasing Protective Factors May Help Prevent Cancer. Updated: 10 April 2019. National Cancer Institute https://www.cancer.gov/types/skin/patient/skin-prevention-pdq#link/_16 Accessed: 14 August 2020
Topic Last Updated: 14 August 2020 – Topic Last Reviewed: 14 August 2020
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