Cancer - Causes

A survivor shares his story.

Help ensure that your choices support the cause.

Shift work (working during the time when most people are asleep) may increase your risk of cancer learn what you can do about it.

Alcohol consumption is a significant risk factor for cancer, but the headlines may be a bit misleading.

Both breast and ovarian cancers are strongly linked to two specific genes. Learn more about what options are available for women with mutations in these genes.

Scientists are learning much more about leukemia and lymphoma. This is good news for those with either condition. Here's the update.

By understanding the science behind chromosomal disorders, researchers have a better chance of preventing certain genetic disorders. Here's a cheat sheet for the rest of us.

Grapefruit juice can increase the potency of certain drugs, converting them to life-threatening doses. Here's what you need to know.

It's a frightening topic. Fortunately, huge strides have been made in treatment, and a majority of cases go into remission.

Learn how one person with Myeloproliferative Neoplasm (MPN) used his diagnosis to bring awareness to this rare type of blood cancer.

The treatment of thyroid disease depends on many factors, including the type and severity of the disorder as well as the age and overall health of the patient.

This little-known herb has been used since ancient times to treat liver ailments. Learn more about it.

Nearly one in four women who receive a diagnosis of breast cancer will also develop this second condition. Learn more about the connection.

Researchers have identified an association among hormones and increased risk of diseases in people who smoke.

Oral cancer occurs twice as often in men as it does in women. And increasing age is a major risk factor. Here's what you need to know.

This mysterious-sounding diagnosis is actually quite common.

Are you at risk for the fourth most common cancer among U.S. women?

Experts estimate that 1 in 20 workers exposed to asbestos develop mesothelioma, although it can take up to 40 years from initial exposure to a diagnosis.

A new study finds carcinogens in rice. Is there enough detected to cause widespread concern?

Oral cancer includes cancer of the mouth, back of the mouth, and lips. It usually begins in the flat cells that cover the surface of the mouth.

An estimated 750,000 Americans get sepsis each year and 28 and 50 percent will die from the infection. Who's at risk for sepsis, and what can be done to prevent it?

A diagnosis of breast cancer is not as straightforward as you might imagine (or hope). There are several different types of breast cancer, some more serious than others. Get the facts.

It's used to everything from trucks to generators, but it's now clear diesel fumes are tied to cancer. What can you do about it?

Two studies reveal enough of a connection between kidney cancer and some popular painkillers that more questions are warranted.

We all know someone who develops cancer despite appearing healthy in every way. Why does it happen?

Over 35,000 women are diagnosed each year with uterine cancer. Here are the facts you need.

Cervical cancer used to be one of the most common causes of death from cancer for American women. Rates have improved, but it's still essential to have the facts.

Here s why you should become familiar with the symptoms of Actinic Keratosis.

Determining what should be treated aggressively and what would do better to watch and wait is not always clear-cut. Understand the debate around ductal carcinoma in situ or DCIS.

Smoking is a significant risk factor for lung (and other) cancers and is responsible for almost 90 percent of all lung cancer deaths. However, we all know individuals who smoke for a long time and never develop cancer.

Here are the risk factors, symptoms, and treatments for kidney cancer.

If you re confused about the potential link between parabens and cancer, you re not alone. Get the facts.

Breast cancer death rates have been declining, thanks to increased prevention and improved treatments. Here's a look at the disease by the numbers.

Occasional heartburn is no cause for concern. But chronic bouts can be linked to serious health problems, including cancer.

When it comes to prostate cancer, does taking vitamin E help or hurt your chances of dodging the disease? A new study provides some answers.

Cancer still holds mysteries, but scientists have made strides in uncovering what happens when a body develops cancer cells.

While it s long been accepted that cancer is caused by mutated genes, some experts now put stock in a different belief.

Here are the risk factors, screening options, symptoms, and treatment methods for testicular cancer, a type of cancer that results in hundreds of deaths each year in the U.S.

Many people successfully kick the habit, and you can too. Here, the top 10 benefits of smoke-free living.

Keeping up with all your health screenings may seem daunting, but this list can get you started on a year of healthy living.

Clinical trial. Double blind. Experimental. Understanding the terminology associated with different types of studies will help you determine which one might be right for you.

When you read the headlines about the latest advancements in cancer treatments, do you find yourself wondering, "What does this really mean?" Here's a guide to understanding the meaning behind the numbers.

One of the biggest worries for rheumatoid arthritis sufferers, aside from the symptoms, is the heightened risk of cancer. What do these two conditions have in common, and what causes the increased risk?

While cancer is one of the leading causes of death in both men and women, there are particular factors unique to men that make them more susceptible of ending the battle against cancer sooner than in women.

While cancer treatments continue to become more effective and targeted, the number of people diagnosed with cancer is on the rise. Understand the high-level trends and how they could affect you.

Scientists from the University of Missouri have found that asthma could increase your risk for lung cancer. However, other experts say you don't need to panic. But there is consensus that asthma can cause damage to your lungs. Avoid these offenders to keep your lungs strong.

You know it does, but do you know how and why smoking is one of the greatest health risks out there? Understanding what's behind the risk might help you or a loved one give them up for good.

Many men may find this to be startling news, but breast cancer doesn't happen only in women. Although men don't have breasts in the sense that women do, they do have breast tissue and enough of it to make breast cancer possible.

You've heard they do. You've heard they don't. So, what are the experts saying about the real risk?

Did you know that many products used for personal hygiene and beauty can be major sources of human exposure to dangerous chemicals?

Digestive problems tend to disguise themselves as other conditions, and as a result, it can be difficult to get an accurate diagnosis. But your health depends on it.

Since 1992, up to 10 million worldwide have had breast implants. Now there's concern about whether implants lead to increased risk of lymphoma. Here are the facts you need.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S. So, when fresh air and sunshine beckons your family outside to play, be sure to pack sunscreen along with your diapers, snacks, and other essentials. Here's all you need to know.

Although advancing age and being a woman are the two most significant risk factors for breast cancer, a family history also raises your risk of developing breast cancer and developing it at a younger age.

Did you know that basal cell carcinoma is the most common kind of cancer in America? It can ravage your skin and even cause disfiguration if not treated properly. Be sure you know how to detect and deal with signs of this skin cancer.

What could be the downsides of potentially detecting cancer or another serious disease before it advances to a more-difficult-to-treat stage? Well, 150 times more radiation than a chest x-ray, for one thing.

This condition is the result of damage to the intestinal lining, which allows larger-than-normal particles such as undigested food, microbes, wastes, and toxins to get into the lymphatic system or bloodstream, triggering an immune response that causes inflammation.

The new technique of 3-D mammograms, or digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), overlays 3-D optical mammogram images with x-ray images.

What precautions should you consider when it comes to these radiation risks?

Researchers have found that women are 11 times more likely to develop this serious condition if they are missing teeth or have gum disease. What's the connection?

What are the telltale signs of an insulinoma?

Also known as hereditary hemochromatosis, the body absorbs too much iron from foods you eat. The excess iron then gets stored in your organs, especially the liver, heart, and pancreas, which over time can damage them and lead to life-threatening illnesses.

When it comes to kids and secondhand smoke, is there a safe level? And what does secondhand smoke affect?

The standard of care for ovarian cancer treatment has changed over time. What's the latest in the battle against this hard-to-diagnose disease?

Recall the days of your childhood. Does it involve you drinking a half pint of milk each day at school? If so, it can have a tremendous impact on whether or not you're at risk for colon cancer.

Why are self-breast exams less in favor, and what options do you have now for detecting breast cancer?

How can a simple task like swallowing become a difficult mission? You might think this should be easy for your muscles to do, but it takes more just strength.

Many of the products we use on a daily or weekly basis contain dangerously high levels of toxic chemicals, some of which are linked to increased risk of cancer.

Does radiation from the airport x-ray scanners pose a health risk, including increased risk of cancer? Here are the facts.

Do they or don't they? The question of whether artificial sweeteners cause cancer has been hotly debated in the medical community.

After extensive studies to determine whether this concern is founded, the National Cancer Institute and American Cancer Society have come to a conclusion.

If you're a woman using hormone replacement therapy (HRT), you may be frightened about developing cancer, but even more frightened about giving up your prescription. But hold on things might not be as scary as they seem.

Gastric cancer has become more prevalent among some.

The National Cancer Institute predicts more than 44,000 people will develop thyroid cancer in 2010.

New research links the consumption of red meat to an increased risk of bladder cancer, the tenth most common cancer in the U.S.

If your child had leukemia, would you know it?

There's new evidence that fructose, a type of sugar, is associated with pancreatic cancers.

The most common type of cancer in the United States is also widely misunderstood. Take action to keep you and your family safe from skin cancer.

It s hard to imagine anything positive about having asthma or eczema. However, a recent study suggested that men who have either immune system disease have a lower risk for common types of cancer.

Scientists have been accumulating evidence that a poor diet is a strong risk factor for colon and rectal cancer (colorectal). A new study provides additional, convincing support.

One study stated that women with the highest self-reported use of household cleaning products had twice the risk of developing breast cancer. What should you do?

Here's the information you need to know to protect yourself when it comes to the herpes virus.

Doctors and researchers are not clear on what causes this disease, which affects approximately 8,000 new patients each year, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI).

The oft-cited but confusing statistic that one out of eight women will develop breast cancer during her lifetime creates a lot of understandable anxiety among women. The fear of finding a lump, even if it's not cancerous, just adds to the stress. Here are a few of the common myths about breast lumps.

Recent findings by the US Environmental Protection Agency found that air inside the home may be more polluted than outdoor air, because of toxins contained in common cleaning solutions.

Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer that can strike in unexpected places, including the eye.

The National Cancer Institute implicates environmental factors in about two-thirds of cancer cases.

Sleep disturbances are common in people who have cancer, especially those undergoing chemotherapy, which makes a challenging situation even more difficult.

Health experts have long linked processed foods, such as hot dogs, sausages, and most lunchmeats to many forms of cancers, including esophageal, lung, pancreatic, stomach, colorectal, endometrial, and prostate. Now they ve added ovarian cancer to the list.

Acute Myeloid Leukemia is a form of leukemia in which the bone marrow makes too many lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. There are only about 4,000 new cases each year, although it s the most common leukemia in children.

Do multivitamins help prevent cancer? Or do they contribute to the risks? Find out here.

Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecological cancer in women over 45, and the fourth most common cancer in women. When detected and treated early, however, endometrial cancer patients have extremely good survival odds.

Research suggests that your TV-viewing habit can be a deadly pastime.

You can significantly reduce your risk for breast cancer recurrence by addressing three lifestyle-related risk factors: being overweight, smoking, and drinking excess alcohol.

Unfortunately, there is a link between breast cancer and depression. In fact, about 25 percent of women with breast cancer suffer from significant depression.

A group of international scientists have found that some of the hundreds of types of bacteria in the digestive system may be linked to diseases such as cancer and Crohn's.

Soda has become ubiquitous and the rate at which we drink these sugared beverages continues to rise. Many health experts are concerned about a link between soda consumption and increased risk for cancer.

Misconceptions about breast cancer are widespread. Here are a few of the most common breast cancer myths and the truth behind them.

There are numerous causes of infertility and almost as many treatments. Some women are concerned that pursuing infertility treatments may increase their risk for uterine cancer. If you ve taken, or are considering, infertility treatments, here s what you need to know.

Americans are exposed to about 100,000 chemicals daily, and scientists have linked at least 220 of them to the development of cancer.

Electrical pollution from cell phones and WiFi known as "electrosmog" is hazardous to our health, according to recent research.

Women who have survived breast cancer are understandably concerned that they will develop a second breast cancer. However, recent research shows that by limiting their alcohol consumption, breast cancer survivors significantly reduce their risk recurrence.

HPV is commonly linked with cervical cancer. Recently, researchers are fearful of HPV-related throat cancer.

If you're experiencing symptoms of an enlarged prostate, you may unnecessarily jump to the conclusion that you have prostate cancer. That said, BPH could be a warning sign of things to come.

Arthritis sufferers have enough to worry about. However, research shows that those with RA may be at an increased risk for developing lymphoma.

Melanoma is often thought of as just a skin condition. What most don't know is how this form of cancer can occur in other places as well.

Have you or a loved one survived a life-threatening disease? Are you currently struggling with depression, chronic pain, heart disease, or other health-related condition? Have you gone to extraordinary lengths to help someone in a health crisis? If so, we want to hear from you!

Genes play a large role in whether or not someone is susceptible to a particular disease or condition. Find out if your family history raising your risk of skin cancer.

NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has announced he was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. Find out what you need to know about chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML).

Find out what links your diet and your risk for developing this form of cancer.

In 2006, the Food and Drug Administration approved Gardisall, a vaccination to prevent cervical cancer. We know for a fact that HPV human papilloma virus causes cervical cancer. Although less common, HPV can also cause other cancers as well.

Study sheds new light on the diabetes and breast cancer link.

As fans mourn the passing of Patrick Swayze from pancreatic cancer, learn about this deadly disease and how to reduce your risk.

Younger men who are very active sexually seem more prone to prostate cancer.

Just because some are more notorious than others, doesn't make these cancers less deadly.

Here, the link between diabetes and pancreatic cancer and a diabetes medication that can lower the risk.

Tanning addiction can cause serious health issues. Will teens be banned in order to protect them? Find out here.

Is brain cancer treatable? The death of Ted Kennedy has sounded the alarm of this rare disease. New advances in treatment offer more hope than before.

Here s a look at the five deadliest cancers and the factors that may increase your risk.

An overview of the most common causes of penis pain and treatment.

You know that cigarettes are harmful. But do you know why?

Numerous studies over the past seven years have produced conflicting results as to whether certain antidepressants reduce the effectiveness of tamoxifen, a drug women with breast cancer often take.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reviews the safety of autoimmune disorder drugs.

There may be a new way to reduce your risk.

Secondhand smoke can be just as deadly as lighting up.

From symptoms to treatments, here's a rundown of what every woman should know.

How are these most feared diseases related?

There are many types of surgical procedures physicians can perform to treat people with Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Here s what you need to know about J pouch surgery.

The very latest in colorectal cancer developments.

Reducing your alcohol consumption reduces your risk of developing cancer.

Are you at higher risk for cancer because of your genes?

When it comes it sun exposure, too much of a good thing can lead to skin cancer.

Colon cancer--common and highly curable

You exercise, eat right, get plenty of sleep, and avoid excess stress. Complete your health puzzle by learning your family's health history.

Are French fries dangerous? Can popcorn make you sick? Find out which foods may cause cancer.

Not getting enough z's? You could be doing serious damage to your health.

Could today's innovations be hazardous to your health? Read on to get the real story.

Find out how you can reduce your risk of acquiring this disease.

Treatment for this rare form of cancer has advanced significantly in recent years.

Colon cancer is the third most common form of cancer in the United States. Here, a guide to the disease, from screening to treatment.

The relationship between human papillomavirus and cervical cancer is a complex one. Get the facts now.

The outlook for people diagnosed with cancer has improved significantly, but when will we find a cure?

Follow these tips to minimize nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and hair loss.

Heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), if it occurs regularly is a common digestive disorder that affects about 15 million Americans. Learn about symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.