What is Cancer?
Transcript for: What is Cancer?
What is cancer?
00:03
Did you know that cancer isn’t one disease, it’s more than 100?
00:08
But all cancers have something in common, and this video explains what it is.
00:13
Cancer is a disease that starts in our cells.
00:16
Our bodies are made up of trillions of cells, grouped together to form tissues and organs
00:21
such as muscles and bones, the lungs and the liver.
00:26
Genes inside each cell tell it to grow, work, divide and die.
00:32
Normally, our cells follow these orders and we remain healthy.
00:36
But sometimes the instructions in some cells get mixed up and these cells start to grow
00:41
and divide uncontrollably.
00:43
Over time, the abnormal cells may form a lump, or tumour.
00:49
Some tumours are noncancerous and some are cancerous.
00:53
Cells that aren't cancerous stay in one place in the body and are not usually life-threatening.
00:59
Cells that are cancerous however, can grow into nearby tissues and spread to other parts
01:04
of the body.
01:06
Cancer cells that spread to other parts of the body are called metastases.
01:11
The first sign that cancer has spread, or metastasized, is often swelling of nearby
01:16
lymph nodes, like those in the neck, underarm or groin areas.
01:21
But cancer can spread almost anywhere in the body.
01:25
Cancers are named after the part of the body where they start.
01:28
For example, cancer that starts in the bladder but spreads to the lung is called bladder
01:34
cancer with lung metastases.
01:38
To find out more about cancer, visit the Canadian Cancer Society online at cancer.ca or call
01:46
1-888-939-3333.
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The Canadian Cancer Society states:
All types of cancer start in our cells. Our bodies are made up of trillions of cells grouped together to form tissues and organs such as muscles, bones, the lungs and the liver. Genes inside each cell tell it when to grow, work, divide and die. Normally, our cells follow these instructions and we stay healthy. But sometimes the instructions get mixed up, causing our cells to grow and divide out of control or not die when they should. As more and more of these abnormal cells grow and divide, they can form a lump in the body called a tumour.
Cancer 101
Transcript for: Cancer 101
00:01
Hi, I’m Stan Wesley. I’ve spent my life helping people connect with things that matter. And cancer matters.
00:09
What is cancer? Let’s talk about it.
00:12
Cancer- nobody wants it. But you and I know someone who has it. What are your odds of getting cancer?
00:21
We know that about 4 Canadians in 10 develop cancer some time in their lives. Let’s change those odds for the better.
00:28
Maybe you’ve been avoiding this topic— and for good reason!
00:32
You don’t have a doctor,
00:34
Don’t want to hear bad news,
00:36
Maybe you don’t trust the medical system,
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Or you’re just plain scared.
00:40
You’re not alone.
00:42
So what is cancer, anyway?
00:44
Cancer starts small— in one cell.
00:48
Your body has trillions of cells, such as bone cells, skin cells and brain cells.
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If a cell gets damaged, your body fixes or removes it. [Sound of cell rolling out of image "Get out of here!"]
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Cancer happens when damaged cells aren’t fixed and grow out of control. [Sound of bubbles popping to create cell]
01:03
There are more than 200 kinds of cancer with one thing in common: Cancer cells are bad actors.
01:10
Some clump together and form lumps or tumours.
01:13
Cancer cells invade their neighbours, stopping them from working right.
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It can break off and spread to other parts of the body.
01:21
What damages your cells?
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Exposure to environmental pollutants or toxins such as smoke or alcohol,
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Getting too much sun and burning, [Sound of sizzling]
01:30
Viruses or other diseases,
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Getting old, because old bodies don’t fix cells as well.
01:36
People can inherit damaged cells from a parent but this is rare.
01:41
Some people say, “If it happens, it happens.” But your choices do change the odds.
01:47
Cancer odds or risk factors are like the dark marbles in these jars. [Marbles being coloured in] The more you smoke, for example, the higher your chance of picking a dark marble and getting cancer. [The most dark marbles in "heavy smoker" jar]
01:58
Know the big four cancer risks.
02:01
Commercial tobacco, alcohol, unhealthy eating and being overweight.
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Tobacco including second-hand smoke can be harmful to you and your family.
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Alcohol even at moderate levels can increase your risk.
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Even being overweight can affect your overall health.
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On the positive side there are things that you can do to reduce your risk and stay healthy.
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Respect traditional and ceremonial tobacco.
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Get physically active to stay healthy. Get at least 30 minutes of moderate activity each day. [Sound of person running]
02:32
Eat colourful vegetables and fruit, high-fibre foods, and less red meat and processed foods- but potatoes don’t count! [Sound of person taking a bite and chewing food] [Sound of a buzzer striking through image of french fries and chips]
02:41
Now let’s turn the conversation to working with Community Health Representatives and Nurses.
02:49
Screening looks for colorectal, breast and cervical cancer before you have any symptoms. [Image of Feccal Occult Blood Test magnified on screen]
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And the good news— Non-Insured Health Benefits cover travel to the nearest screening centre. [Sound of car starting and horn honking]
03:00
Are you ready to start the conversation?
03:03
Talk to someone you trust: a CHR, CHN, an elder, a friend or a family member who knows about cancer.
03:11
Finding cancer early could save your life. For example: Treating colorectal cancer early gives you a 90% change of being cured. [Image of Feccal Occult Blood Test]
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If you find breast cancer early and very small, you have a good chance of being cured. [Image of a woman having a mammogram]
03:25
Regular Pap tests can find cervical changes before cancer develops. [Image of a woman on an examining table]
03:30
Is fear of cancer still holding you back?
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Remember the good reasons for getting screened: being educated and informed, being there for your children and grandchildren, and setting a healthy example. Having peace of mind. [Sound of children laughing and playing]
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Let’s take charge of our health.
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Too many Aboriginal people aren’t getting screened or treated for cancer. Instead of sad outcomes, let's make more healthy outcomes for First Nations people with cancer.
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Find out more about preventing cancer at cancercare.on.ca [And mycanceriq.ca] [Sound of First Nations drumming music and singing]
04:10
[Logos of CCO- Cancer Care Ontario, developed in collaboration with CAREX Canada, OCRC- Occupational Cancer Research Centre and Canadian Cancer Society] [Music by Blue Storm Singers, song composed by Daniel "Biin" Deleary] [Sound of First Nations drumming music and singing]
04:16
[Government of Ontario, Cancer Care Ontario logo] [Sound of First Nations drumming music and singing]
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