Understanding Cancer
About Cancer > Understanding Cancer
What is Cancer?
Our bodies are made up of tiny building blocks called cells. Inside every cell is a set of genes. Genes are the instructions the cell needs to work properly. The instructions send signals to cells to grow and divide and make new cells. This is how our bodies grow and heal.Â
Sometimes genes in a cell can change. If a gene is altered, it may no longer give the correct instructions. A change in a gene is called a gene variant or mutation. Gene variants in a cell may cause it to stop working normally.Â
Cancer may develop if cells like this multiply abnormally and grow out of control. Over time, these cells can grow into a lump called a tumour. Not all tumours are cancer.Â
Doctors can tell if a tumour is cancer by taking a small sample to look for cancer cells. This is called a biopsy.
What is Cancer?
What is benign cancer?
Tumours that are not cancer are called benign. Benign tumours cannot spread anywhere else in the body. But they can cause problems if they grow and press on nearby organs.
What are malignant tumours?
Secondary cancer
 Cancer can spread from one place (the primary site) to another through the blood or lymphatic system. When cancer spreads and grows somewhere else, it is called a secondary cancer or metastasis.
Different types of cancer
Cancer Care
Cancer care is a journey that begins with understanding the type of cancer, continues with clear diagnostic tests, and moves toward treatments designed to fight the disease while supporting health and quality of life.
Types of Cancers
Find out about the different types of cancer, including their risk factors, symptoms, tests and treatments.
Diagnostics
Find out about the different tests and scans used to diagnose cancer. Get information about each test, how it is done, and what to expect.
Treatments
Understand your treatment options with our guide to cancer treatment and drugs. Find out about different types of treatments and possible side effects.
Living with Cancer
For many families, the journey with cancer extends beyond initial treatment. Our goal is to empower patients and their caregivers with the knowledge and resources to manage daily life, symptoms, pain, and ensure comfort, focusing on dignity and quality of life.
Embracing Daily Life
Find practical advice and support for managing the routines, challenges, and emotional aspects of living with cancer. We help families maintain normalcy and create a supportive home environment.
Symptom Management
Understand and effectively manage common cancer-related symptoms and side effects from treatment. Our guidance helps improve comfort and well-being for the child.
Access Resources
Find essential support services, including nutrition, counselling, transport, and financial support, for your child.
Donate Now
Your contribution provides treatment, medicine, and support for underprivileged children fighting cancer in Goa.
We partner with Novisurvat Goa for child-focused palliative care and Pallium India for adult palliative care to ensure comprehensive support.