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Cancer starts from the uncontrolled division of cells in the body. As the abnormal cells continue to grow, they form a tumor. As a tumor grows it can metastasize, or spread, and begin forming new tumors in different parts of the body. Not all cancers behave the same way; different types of cancer have different growth rates and respond differently to anti-cancer treatments. In medical terms, cancer is referred to as malignant neoplasms.
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Why It's Important
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in New Jersey and the United States. Many of the most common forms of cancer are preventable by reducing risk factors or through appropriate screenings and vaccinations. Screening is effective in identifying certain pre-cancerous conditions, such as colon polyps, and detecting other cancers at early, often highly treatable stages.
What's Known
Multiple factors, both inside and outside the body, contribute to the development of cancer. Some risk factors for cancer can be avoided or controlled. For example, avoiding tobacco, improving diet, and increasing physical activity can lower risk. Other factors, such as age, race, family history of cancer, and genetics cannot be modified, making early detection a key component for better outcomes.
Who's at Risk
No one is immune to cancer. While scientific studies have identified specific
factors that increase cancer risk, it is still possible for people without risk factors to develop
cancer and for those with many risk factors to remain unaffected. Common cancer risk factors include:
Older age: The risk of developing cancer increases with age.
Race and ethnicity: People of certain races and ethnic background are at higher risk for
certain types of cancer.
Certain medical conditions, infections, or immunosuppression.
How To Reduce Risk
There are many ways to reduce your risk for cancer. Following these guidelines will not only reduce
your risk for cancer, but improve your general health as well:
Stop smoking. If you smoke, quit. If you don't smoke, don't start. Smoking is linked to several types of cancer -- not just lung cancer. Quitting now will reduce your risk of cancer in the future.
Eat a healthy diet. Choose a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Select whole grains and lean proteins.
Exercise most days of the week. Regular exercise is linked to a lower risk of cancer. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week. If you haven't been exercising regularly, start out slowly and work your way up to 30 minutes or longer.
Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese may increase your risk of cancer. Work to achieve and maintain a healthy weight through a combination of a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Avoid excessive sun exposure. Harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can increase your risk of skin cancer. Limit your sun exposure by staying in the shade, wearing protective clothing, or applying sunscreen.
Schedule cancer screening exams. Talk to your doctor about what types of cancer screening exams are best for you based on your risk factors.
Ask your doctor about immunizations against diseases which increase your risk of cancer. Immunizations can help prevent hepatitis B, which increases the risk of liver cancer, and human papillomavirus (HPV), which increases the risk of cervical and other cancers.
If you have a first degree relative with cancer or diagnosed with cancer at a young age, you may want to ask your health care provider about genetic testing or genetic counseling services to learn more about genetic risk factors.
How It's Tracked
Screening: The New Jersey Behavioral Risk Factor Survey (NJBRFS) tracks the use of preventive screening for a variety of cancer types such as mammography to detect breast cancer, Pap tests for cervical cancer, colonoscopy for colorectal cancer, and PSA tests for prostate cancer.
Incidence, stage at diagnosis, and survivorship: The
NJ State Cancer Registry collects detailed information about cancer patients and the treatments they receive, which is used to track trends in incidence, survival, and mortality.
Mortality: Death certificates are a fundamental source of demographic, geographic, and cause-of-death information.
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