What is cancer?

Cancer is a disease that starts in our cells. Our bodies are made up of millions of cells, grouped together to form organs or tissues such as the lungs, the liver, muscles and bones. Genes inside each cell order it to grow, work, reproduce and die

Normally these orders are clear, our cells obey and we remain healthy. Sometimes a cell’s instructions get mixed up and it behaves abnormally. After a while groups of abnormal cells form lumps or tumours.

Tumours can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Benign tumour cells stay in one place in the body and are not usually life-threatening.

Malignant tumour cells are able to invade the tissues around them and spread to other parts of the body. Cancerous cells that spread to other parts of the body are called metastases. The first sign that a malignant tumour has spread is often swelling of nearby lymph nodes, but cancer can metastasize to almost any part of the body. Malignant tumours can be dangerous. It is important to find them and treat them quickly, before they spread.

Cancers are named after the part of the body where they start. For example, cancer that starts in the colon but spreads to the liver is called colon cancer with liver metastases

How to donate?

Thanks to the generosity of their donors and the work of our volunteers and staff, the Canadian Cancer Society is leading the way in cancer control to actively prevent, cure or manage cancer. The Canadian Cancer Society takes the role as steward of donor dollars very seriously and makes every effort to allocate these dollars where they will make the most difference in making cancer history. In working to control cancer, they focus their work in 5 areas: research, advocacy, prevention information and support.

For all individual donations and support follow this link

Please note: that the Canadian Cancer Society is in Canada so if you can't donate to them, you can always donate to your own country's Cancer Funds.