Cancer is an abnormal growth of a body cell or group of cells. If it is not destroyed or removed, cancer can spread very rapidly, and eventually lead to death.

There is no definite rate of growth of cancer tissue, Some types will grow more in a few weeks than other types will, in several years.

No. Since cancer is not caused by a germ, it is not ``catching``, and cannot be transmitted from one person to another.

Cancer cells grow through the walls of blood vessels and are carried by the blood stream to other parts of the body. They enter the lymphatic stream and are carried to lymph glands.

There is no definite rate of growth of cancer tissue, Some types will grow more in a few weeks than other types will, in several years.

No. Leprosy is caused by a germ. Both the symptoms and the treatment for the two diseases are entirely different.

By performing a biopsy i.e. examining a small portion of the tissue under a microscope. In advanced cases, physical examination alone may reveal the diagnosis. But the chances of cure at this late stage, are very poor.

One out of every 8 Indians gets cancer. In other words, there are about 15 to 18 lakh cancer patients in India alone. Though cancer can occur at any age, the incidence is higher after the age of 40 to 45.

There are billions of cells in the human body. Normally, they grow in a well-regulated pattern. When cancer sets in a group of cells suddenly starts multiplying haphazardly and forms a lump or ``tumor``.

No, though cancer cells may move through the blood stream to another part of the body. Cancer can however develop in certain tissues which form the blood cells.

The real tragedy about cancer is that it produces very minor symptoms at first. So you could have cancer --- and not know it. The best way to detect cancer is to have a regular yearly check-up.

No. Even as long ago as 3,000 B.C., Egyptian historians made references to ``tumors and ulcers``. Mummies from the Gizeb Pyramids were found to have cancer involving the bones.

No. the term ``cancer`` includes all forms of malignant growth. Very many varieties are known. These have certain characteristics in common though such as uncontrolled growth a tendency to spread widely in the body and fatal termination if not treated early and adequately. They differ in certain characteristics, such as location in the body, microscopic appearance, and response to treatment.

Yes. Your life-style may make you more prone to some cancers. E.g. cancers of the Colon, lungs and skin are common in Britain and U.S.A., while cancers involving the head and neck region are more common in India. In women, cancer of the breast and uterus are the commonest.