What is Cancer?

1. Cells get damaged (become abnormal) 2. Start dividing much faster than normal 3.A clump of cells form (growth) – can be smaller than a pea or as big as a football! 4.Sometimes the lump is benign – not cancerous – not harmful 5.Sometimes it is malignant – cancer – potential to be harmful because it can interfere with the way the body works

What is Cancer?

How do cells become damaged? Diets and lifestyle

What can be done to help to prevent Cancer? Help your immune system by keeping it healthy so it can find the damaged cells and get rid of them before they have a chance to cause a problem Help your immune system by – Eating plenty of fruit, vegetables and whole grains Drinking sufficient water Cutting down on sugar and salt Exercising to move the lymph Not smoking Protecting your skin

Cancer cell being attacked by the immune system

What can be done to help people who get Cancer? Go to the doctor The doctor sends the person to hospital The hospital doctor carries out tests As a result of the tests the doctor will tell them which is the best treatment – surgery, chemotherapy or radiation

The Good News I in 3 people will get cancer but 2/3rds will never contract the disease and of those who do 75% will beat it! New and better treatments are being developed all the time There is much we can do to help to prevent cancer and if we do get it to beat it!

What can you do if you are worried? Talk to parent, carer, teacher, relative, Macmillan or phone York Against Cancer

Story The Rosy Periwinkle