Although there are more than 100 different types of cancer, all cancers begin the same: with a mutated cell that begins to divide uncontrollably. As this mutated cell divides it forms a mass of abnormal cells called a tumor. When detected at an early stage, cancer can be treated with a surgical procedure that removes the cancerous tumor. However, if the tumor continues to grow without detection, eventually it can cause enough stress that it breaks a surrounding blood or lymph vessel, allowing cancerous cells to move to other parts of the body. Once cancer spreads, two other treatment methods can be implemented: radiation and chemotherapy. Radiation uses a high dosage of electromagnetic waves to try to kill cancerous cells and stop them from dividing. Chemotherapy is a drug that works by attacking cells (both healthy and cancerous) that are dividing. Certain lifestyle factors, such as smoking, exposure to UV radiation, poor diet and lack of exercise increase the risk of developing cancer.
Check out our blog posts on Cancer and Oncology
Oncology of the Pelvic Floor Level 1: General Oncology Principles and Treatment
Oncology of the Pelvic Floor Level 2A: Male Pelvic and Colorectal Cancers
Oncology of the Pelvic Floor Level 2B: Female Pelvic and Bladder Cancers
Rehabilitation for the Breast Oncology Patient
Post-Prostatectomy Patients: A Rehabilitation Approach