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Cancer Overview What is cancer? Cancer is an abnormal growth of cells. The whole body is made of cells that act and grow in controlled ways as the body needs them. Cells are controlled by genes. The genes in any cell in the body can be damaged. Then the cell can grow out of

Overview of Craniofacial Anomalies What are craniofacial anomalies? Craniofacial anomalies (CFA) are a variety of deformities in the growth of the head and facial bones. Anomaly is a medical term meaning different from normal. These abnormalities are present at birth (congenital)

Breast Pain (Mastalgia) What is mastalgia? Mastalgia is breast pain. There are 2 main types of mastalgia: Cyclical breast pain. The pain is linked to menstrual periods. Noncyclic breast pain. The pain may come from the breast. Or it may come from somewhere else, such as nearby

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) What is premenstrual syndrome (PMS)? Premenstrual syndrome or PMS is a group of physical and emotional symptoms many people may have in the days before their period starts. Symptoms usually stop when the period starts or shortly after. It’s thought to

Perimenopause What is perimenopause? Perimenopause is the transitional time around menopause. Menopause is when a woman’s periods stop. It’s marked by changes in the menstrual cycle, along with other physical and emotional symptoms. This time can last 2 to 8 years. During this

Smoking and Heart Disease The American Heart Association (AHA) says diseases caused by smoking kill more than 440,000 people in the U.S. each year. Most new smokers are children and teens. Smokers have a higher risk for lung disease and other respiratory problems, such as

Smoking and Respiratory Diseases Fast facts According to the CDC: More than 16 million Americans are living with a disease caused by smoking. Across the world, tobacco causes more than 7 million deaths per year. Smoking causes cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung diseases

Contraception/Birth Control What is birth control? Birth control is any activity, medicine, or equipment used to prevent pregnancy. There are many types of birth control available for people who do not wish to become pregnant. The decision on which method is right for you should

Exercise for Cancer Prevention People who are overweight or obese have a higher risk of getting certain cancers. This includes cancers of the: Breast (for people past menopause). Endometrium. Ovary. Kidney. Liver. Rectum. Esophagus. Colon. Pancreas. Stomach. Thyroid. Gallbladder

Cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and Triglycerides in Children and Teens What is cholesterol? Cholesterol is a fat-like, waxy substance. It can be found in all parts of your child's body. It helps make cell membranes, some hormones, and vitamin D. The cholesterol in blood comes from 2