What is cancer?

More than 100 kinds of cancer exist, with most named for the type of cell or organ in which they begin.

Scientists continue to investigate what causes cancer. They study patterns of cancer in the population, looking for factors that affect people’s risk for getting cancer. In laboratories, scientists explore possible causes of cancer and examine what happens when cancer develops.

Many questions remain, but scientists have discovered that cancer develops gradually. Heredity, environment and lifestyle choices all seem to play a role. We also know that cancer is not spread from person to person. You cannot “catch” cancer by sharing food or drinks, or through touching, kissing or sexual contact.

Find out more about cancer:

• How cancer cells grow
• Tumors
• Types of cancer

For more information, call Park Nicollet Cancer Center 952-993-5700.