Cancer is a group of more than 100 different diseases that are due to abnormal growth of body cells. The human body is made up of billions of tiny cells that reproduce themselves by dividing. Through this normal process of cell division, the growth and repair of body tissue takes place.
When a cell begins dividing irregularly, masses known as tumors can form.
Tumors may be benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). A malignant tumor, or cancer, can invade nearby tissues and organs. It can spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body forming other tumors. The rate of growth varies. Some cancers grow rapidly; others may grow slowly over a period of many years.
Some cancers are easily curable. However, others are more difficult to cure by the time they are first diagnosed, particularly if the tumor has grown substantially.
Every year, cancer kills more than half a million Americans. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States, exceeded only by heart disease. According to pre-release data from United States Cancer Statistics: 2006 Incidence and Mortality, which tracks cancer incidence for about 96% of the U.S. population and mortality for the entire country, more than 559,000 Americans died of cancer and more than 1.37 million had a diagnosis of cancer in 2006. The financial costs of cancer are overwhelming. According to the National Institutes of Health, cancer cost the United States an estimated $228 billion in 2008.
The number of new cancer cases can be reduced, and many cancer deaths can be prevented. Research shows that screening for cervical and colorectal cancers as recommended helps prevent these diseases by finding precancerous lesions so they can be treated before they become cancerous. Screening for cervical, colorectal, and breast cancers also helps find these diseases at an early, often highly treatable stage.
A person's cancer risk can be reduced by receiving regular medical care, avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol use, avoiding excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun and tanning beds, eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, maintaining a healthy weight, and being physically active.
Vaccines also help reduce cancer risk. The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine helps prevent most cervical cancers and some vaginal and vulvar cancers, and the hepatitis B vaccine can help reduce liver cancer risk. Making cancer screening, information, and referral services available and accessible to all Americans can reduce cancer incidence and deaths.
To be connected to free breast, cervical, colorectal cancer screening, diagnostic, treatment and support services for eligible Hamilton County residents contact:
Glens Falls Hospital Cancer Services Program of Warren, Hamilton and Washington Counties
100 Park Street
Glens Falls, NY 12801
Phone: (800) 882-0121 - Toll Free
(518) 926-6570
Fax: (518) 926-6580
Breast, Cervical and Colorectal Cancer Screening: Eligible clients are able to receive clinical breast exams, mammograms, Pap tests and Colorectal cancer screening through fecal tests. Clients receiving positive screening tests also receive diagnostic testing and are referred to treatment if needed. Eligible clients are also enrolled in the Medicaid Cancer Treatment Program for Medicaid coverage for the duration of their breast, cervical, colorectal or prostate cancer treatment.
Legal and Supportive Services: Provides legal and supportive services to prople and their families who are affected by cancer.
More information on cancer diagnosis and treatment can be found at:
Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Program
Have You Had Cancer Treatment? Information on Lymphedema
Consumer Health/Insurance Information