Cancer not selective: It can happen to anyone

For every two males you see, one has the chance of developing cancer in his lifetime. For every three women you see, one has the chance of developing cancer in her lifetime.

With advances in research and technology, nearly 14 million people in the United States have had cancer and survived.

What is cancer? Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. If left uncontrolled, it can result in death. Unfortunately, cancer is the second most common cause of death in the United States, accounting for nearly one in every four deaths according to the American Cancer Society.

Cancer can be caused by both external factors (such as tobacco, chemicals, radiation) and internal factors (such as inherited mutations, hormones, immune conditions). Often ten or more years pass between exposure to external factors and detectable cancer.

For a complete Relay for Life story, go to page A-2 of the Bonners Ferry Herald's print edition or click on the following link to the e-edition and go to page A-2.