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| | The term '''cancer''' refers to many different [[disease]]s. They all have in common uncontrolled ''cell [[proliferation]]'' (growth and division). Cancers are usually named for the [[organ]] or cell type that is originally involved. After beginning at one site, the cancerous cells may ''metastasize'' (spread) to other organs and then continue to grow, causing more damage in the new location as well. The cancer is still named by its place of origin. | | The term '''cancer''' refers to many different [[disease]]s. They all have in common uncontrolled ''cell [[proliferation]]'' (growth and division). Cancers are usually named for the [[organ]] or cell type that is originally involved. After beginning at one site, the cancerous cells may ''metastasize'' (spread) to other organs and then continue to grow, causing more damage in the new location as well. The cancer is still named by its place of origin. |
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| | + | It is estimated that at least 40% of cancers are attributable to modifiable behavior. For example, smoking and alcohol are significant causes of cancer. |
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| | All known carcinogens (cancer-inducing agents), which include various chemicals, viruses, and ionizing radiation, act by breaking chemical bonds to produce [[Deoxyribonucleic acid|DNA]] [[mutations]].<ref>http://www.livescience.com/health/cell-phone-radiation-cancer-100118.html</ref> These mutations occur randomly throughout the [[genome]], and if not repaired by the cell's DNA repair mechanisms, they can impede normal cellular functions. If enough unrepaired mutations occur in genes associated with cell growth, this can cause the cells to grow when they should not. | | All known carcinogens (cancer-inducing agents), which include various chemicals, viruses, and ionizing radiation, act by breaking chemical bonds to produce [[Deoxyribonucleic acid|DNA]] [[mutations]].<ref>http://www.livescience.com/health/cell-phone-radiation-cancer-100118.html</ref> These mutations occur randomly throughout the [[genome]], and if not repaired by the cell's DNA repair mechanisms, they can impede normal cellular functions. If enough unrepaired mutations occur in genes associated with cell growth, this can cause the cells to grow when they should not. |
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| | *[http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1743-6109.2011.02512.x/abstract Sex with Animals (SWA): Behavioral Characteristics and Possible Association with Penile Cancer. A Multicenter Study] | | *[http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1743-6109.2011.02512.x/abstract Sex with Animals (SWA): Behavioral Characteristics and Possible Association with Penile Cancer. A Multicenter Study] |
| | *[https://medicalxpress.com/news/2011-11-bestiality-linked-penile-cancer.html Bestiality linked to penile cancer], Medical Xpress website | | *[https://medicalxpress.com/news/2011-11-bestiality-linked-penile-cancer.html Bestiality linked to penile cancer], Medical Xpress website |
| − | *[https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/national-international/study-links-bestiality-penile-cancer/1932492/ Study Links Bestiality, Penile Cancer], NBC New York</ref> | + | *[https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/national-international/study-links-bestiality-penile-cancer/1932492/ Study Links Bestiality, Penile Cancer], NBC New York</ref> See also: [[Atheism and penile cancer]] |
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| | ==Treatment of cancer== | | ==Treatment of cancer== |