What is cancer?
Cancer happens because something has gone ‘wrong’ in a cell so that it divides and behaves in an uncontrolled way. We are made up of lots of different types of cells. Each cell contains information (in the genes) about the type of cell it is (e.g. hair, muscle, blood), what its job is, when to grow and divide, as well as when to stop and ‘self destruct’. Cells are all very controlled and orderly.
When a cancer develops the cell is not dividing and growing as it should. Because of this, a lump or a tumour develops; if it is a cancer of a blood cell, lots of new blood cells are made which aren’t able to do their job.
We don’t know what causes most cancers, but we do know that it is much more common in old people than young people. We also know that smoking as well as heavy exposure to sunlight increases the chance of developing some types of cancer.
Although we use the one word for it, there are over 200 different types of cancer. These different types behave, are diagnosed and are treated differently.
Cancer is mainly treated with either surgery, chemotherapy (drug treatment) or radiotherapy (x-ray treatment) or a combination of these.
To find out more about cancer, its causes, and how it is treated see http://www.click4tic.org.uk/understandit/Ivegotwhat
TESTIMONIALS
“Jay returned full of confidence, chat, and knowledge of sailing. Jay had ‘life’ back in his eyes. He enjoyed the whole experience. His highlight was the privilege of sailing a yacht with Ellen. He would love to sail again. He even cooked a lasagne on his own for his yachting crew (He never cooks!!) He was full of pride.”
- Mother of Jay, 16
TESTIMONIALS
“Dan returned very happy, positive, enthusiastic, talks about sailing all the time. Daniel is now keep to continue and improve his sailing skills. You are all doing a wonderful job and are giving back joy, confidence and happiness to children who have been through a very touch time. Daniel has expressed he would like to be a spokesperson for the Trust, maybe speaking to children in hospital about his experiences with the Trust, showing them that something good can come from the awful illness they have had, that what they have been through can make them a stronger person.” Mother of Dan, 16
- Mother of Dan, 16
