Cancer is a group of diseases that starts when abnormal cells grow and divide without control, spreading into other tissues and organs. These abnormal cells can damage or destroy these tissues and disrupt the body’s normal function. Cancer is one of the world’s leading causes of death, but researchers are testing new treatments all the time. Cells in your body make and break down other cells to keep you healthy. This process is controlled by the genes in your cells—pieces of DNA that tell your cells how to behave. Sometimes, the genes in a cell can change and turn them into cancerous (malignant) cells. These cells usually die, but some of them survive and multiply quickly, forming a tumor or masses that grow and spread into other parts of the body. Cancer cells often have mutations in DNA that allow them to grow and divide more quickly than normal cells, causing them to crowd out other cells and change the way your body works. The cause of these gene changes is not clear. They may be inherited or develop during your lifetime due to lifestyle habits, exposure to radiation or chemicals, or other factors. There are more than 100 different kinds of cancer, based on what type of cells they are and how they grow. Each type of cancer has its own set of risk factors, which are things that increase or decrease your chance of getting the disease. For example, if you smoke or have close family members who had cancer, you are at higher risk of developing it as well. Your immune system is a network of cells and organs that protect you against disease, including cancer. The lymphatic system—including the tonsils, spleen, thymus, and lymph nodes—transports immune cells throughout your body. Scientists have long believed that cancers are caused by inherited genetic traits passed down from parents, but recent research suggests that many of these cancers are actually caused by the environment and other factors. The way people live, work, and play, as well as the chemicals and radiation they encounter in their daily lives, all affect the chances that they will get cancer. Cancers develop when a person’s cells are damaged by toxins, radiation, or other factors that can damage the genes that control how fast they grow and divide. The damaged genes may then pass these faulty mutations to other cells, which can become cancerous and reproduce rapidly. This process is akin to evolution by natural selection: mutations that provide an advantage in the struggle for survival are more likely to be passed on to offspring. This process also applies to the development of cancer cells, which can evolve adaptive characteristics such as resistance to apoptosis or ability to evade the immune system.

Medical is the branch of health science that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, management and treatment of disease. Its allied therapies and supportive care are intended to promote physical and mental well-being through the alleviation of suffering. Medical research provides the foundation for evidence-based medicine, guiding healthcare professionals and patients alike in making decisions about treatment options based on scientific findings. Medical science is a broad field with many sub-disciplines. For example, anatomy (the study of bodily structures) is one discipline; biochemistry is another, dealing with chemical components; physiology examines the workings of body systems; and pharmacology involves the discovery, development, evaluation, registration and medical aspects of drug therapy. Some clinical disciplines include family medicine (also known as general practice), obstetrics and gynecology (more specifically gynaecological surgery) and internal medicine. The work of the physician encompasses both patient consultation and examination, and the prescription of medicine and other interventions. In some countries, doctors may choose to specialise in certain areas of medicine. Specialisations usually require additional years of training after graduation from medical school. For example, a doctor specialising in internal medicine may spend several years gaining experience in hospital wards and outpatient clinics before becoming a consultant in that area of medicine. During a patient’s examination, the physician will take a detailed history of the symptoms complained of. This is often called the chief complaint or presenting problem, and it is important to note any changes in the patient’s condition over time. A review of the patient’s family history is also important, and the physician will ask about any medications being taken. The patient’s lifestyle and social environment will also be examined, for example examining habits such as smoking and drinking alcohol. Standardization of medical terminology is important to facilitate accurate communication in the healthcare professions. This is achieved through medical writing, which can be found in a variety of formats including medical journals, textbooks and other instructional materials. In addition to serving as a medium for dissemination of medical knowledge, the process of medical writing acts as a means of evaluating and scrutinising research for accuracy. The peer review process is vital to the integrity of medical literature and ensures that only high-quality studies are published. The ethical principles that govern the practice of medicine are also an integral part of the medical writing process. For example, protecting patient confidentiality and ensuring that individuals are aware of their rights are paramount when discussing their medical information with researchers. This is essential to maintaining patient trust and allowing for the best possible outcomes in medical research. In addition, medical writers should always provide adequate context and background information to enable the reader to make informed judgements about the research they are interpreting.

Health is a central aspect of a person’s well-being. It is important to stay healthy in order to handle stress, maintain a good quality of life and enjoy time with family and friends. Currently, there are many ways to stay healthy such as exercising, maintaining a proper diet and being involved in social activities. However, the definition of health is often a source of debate. Some believe that health is simply the absence of disease, while others consider it to be a more holistic concept that incorporates emotional and mental wellness. In 1948, the World Health Organization (WHO) defined health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” This definition has been widely used for decades and remains influential today. However, concerns have been raised that it does not adequately capture the concept of health as a dynamic balance in adaptation to life circumstances. A growing number of writers have advanced alternative views that expand our understanding of health. The most significant change is to shift away from a static view of health to one that focuses on adaptive capacity. This new approach to health emphasizes personal and environmental factors that enable people to adapt to challenges and achieve a higher level of function. It also highlights the importance of societal contexts and supports in facilitating successful adaptation to health challenges, particularly for individuals with disabilities or chronic health conditions. These societal contexts and supports are referred to as the social determinants of health. They include the conditions under which people are born, live, learn, work, play, worship, and age, as well as the structures and systems that support them. They determine a wide range of health, functional and quality of life outcomes and risks, as well as the degree to which people are able to successfully adjust their health dimensions to life circumstances. The social determinants of health are interrelated and vary across countries. For example, the availability of healthy foods, the quality of medical care, the educational system, and economic well-being all affect the health status of a population. Changing these conditions in a community can significantly improve the health of the entire population, especially those with limited financial resources. When writing about health, it is important to remember that most readers are looking for something useful, such as information on a specific health condition or an explanation of how to maintain their own health. It is also important to avoid exaggeration in the use of statistics. For example, instead of saying “nearly everyone who takes medication Y does not experience side effects,” it is better to say “about 4.7% of people who take medication Y experience side effects.” This helps to reduce the reader’s perception of bias and makes the information more credible. A balanced article will provide readers with the tools they need to make informed decisions about their own health and wellness. This is a key aspect of writing effective reference articles.

In a world that can be overwhelming and confusing, a pharmacy offers a safe space to take control of your health. Pharmacists aren’t just about dispensing medications; they work in tandem with your primary care physician to promote and maintain good health. From assisting with vaccine administration to providing patient counseling, pharmacists are an essential member of your healthcare team. With a unique and diverse career scope, pharmacy is the ideal choice for individuals interested in an active and hands-on healthcare role. Whether you choose to go down the research path or delve into clinical practice, there are countless opportunities for advancement and professional growth. The field of pharmacy is constantly evolving to meet the needs of our society and healthcare system. This has led to a wide variety of new roles, from community clinics and high-tech areas like pharmacogenomics to filling important gaps in patient care. These expanded roles are allowing pharmacists to make a real difference in people’s lives, helping them live healthier, happier lives. There are so many things to love about a career in pharmacy: Pharmacists get to use their unique blend of knowledge and skill to create life-changing solutions that enhance the human experience. Whether it’s curing a disease that once plagued humanity or helping patients find the best way to manage their symptoms, pharmacists are modern-day magicians. Beyond a career that provides excellent pay, a pharmacist’s job is also one of the most rewarding in terms of impact on the quality of people’s lives. They help to improve medication adherence and compliance, which can have a direct impact on reducing the number of hospitalizations and progression of chronic diseases in their patients. Lastly, a career in pharmacy can be extremely flexible as most practice settings offer comprehensive benefits that go far beyond just base salary. Most employers provide medical, dental and vision coverage, as well as 401(k) matching programs and retirement reimbursements. This allows pharmacists to build a solid financial foundation, ensuring a secure future for themselves and their families. A pillar of community health, a pharmacy has long provided high-quality and dependable supplies for a range of purposes. From medications to health and beauty products, a good pharmacy will have both branded and generic options to accommodate everyone’s budget. It should also be open to the public and offer a welcoming environment where customers can receive personal and professional advice. There are pharmacies throughout the world that have been in business for centuries, such as the Santa Maria Novella in Florence, Italy (established in 1221) and the Lowen-Apotheke in Trier, Germany, which is believed to be the oldest pharmacy still in operation today. As the stewards of our nation’s drug stores, we are proud to continue to carry on this ancient tradition while contributing to the development of innovative new drugs and therapies. When you choose a career in pharmacy, it’s important to find what excites you about the profession: Is it the positive impact that your work can have on people? Is it forming strong relationships with your co-workers and patients? Is it the sense of accomplishment that comes from being an integral part of a healthcare team?

Cancer is a disease that begins when normal cells grow out of control and start to form new, abnormal cells. These cancer cells can grow into and spread to other parts of the body, where they can cause symptoms. There are many different types of cancer, and they can begin in any type of cell in the body. Some types of cancer are easier to treat than others. Doctors use a system called staging to describe how far the cancer has grown and how likely it is to spread. A cancer starts when genes that manage the way a cell grows or repairs itself mutate. These mutations can happen for a variety of reasons. Sometimes they are inherited from our parents. Other times, they can be triggered by chemicals or other things in the environment. These triggers are called carcinogens. For example, the radiation from X-rays or the chemicals in cigarettes can lead to mutations that increase your risk of getting cancer. These mutations can also happen when a cell is damaged by some other factor, such as too much sunlight or an infection. When the genetic mutations that cause cancer first occur, they are usually harmless. But over time, they can build up and change the shape and structure of a cell. This process is called clonal evolution. It is similar to the natural selection that occurs when organisms evolve by filling ecological niches. Cancer cells can exploit this feature of clonal evolution to gain more and more mutations that help them survive, grow, and spread. The more a cancer cell mutates, the more it changes and the faster it grows. Some mutations can make a cancer cell more resistant to chemotherapy and other treatments. Other mutations can cause the cell to grow more quickly or to divide without stopping. As the cancer grows, it can form a lump that doctors call a tumor. Some tumors are made of solid tissue, while other are more liquid, like blood or pus. Cancers can also grow into and destroy the tissue around them. Some cancers grow slowly, and they are harder to treat than other cancers that grow more rapidly. Doctors can often tell if cancer is growing in a person’s body by the symptoms they have and where the tumor is located. Some types of cancer are more likely to grow in specific areas of the body, such as the lungs or breasts. Whether or not you have cancer, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of getting it in the future. These steps include: Limit your intake of red meat and processed meats (foods like hot dogs, sausage, and luncheon meat). Eat lots of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats, such as olive oil and nuts. Get enough exercise. Being physically active may help prevent some cancers. Talk to your doctor about getting regular screenings for cancer. These screenings might include a physical exam, blood tests, imaging tests, such as a CT scan or MRI, and biopsies.

Medical is a field of study and practice that aims to promote health, prevent disease and cure illness. The science of medicine includes both basic and applied research, with the former addressing issues such as the development of new medicines and procedures and the latter concerning clinical trials and patient care. The history of medicine spans prehistoric times to the present, and has often had close links with philosophy, religion and culture. It has remained for much of its history a mixture of art (a field requiring creativity and skill) and science. Medical sciences include biomedical and health sciences, medical physics, pharmacology, microbiology, molecular biology, neuroscience and toxicology. Biological sciences cover topics such as anatomy, cell biology, physiology and genetics, while the medical physics discipline applies knowledge of physics to areas such as radiation protection and diagnostic imaging. Pharmacology addresses the actions of drugs, while toxicology studies the causes and effects of drug toxicity. Medicine is an integral part of most societies. Many developed countries have universal health care systems that provide free or low-cost medical services to their citizens. Other countries provide care through private insurance schemes, which can be either individual or collective. The most important function of medicine is to restore and maintain human health. However, it also serves a number of other valued functions such as determining the status of an individual’s health, prognosis and classification of diseases, preventing suffering and providing emotional support for the sick. Throughout the ages, there have been numerous attempts to systematise medical knowledge and practice. Hippocrates, considered the father of modern medicine, promoted a rational approach to sickness and proposed the Hippocratic Oath for physicians. Physicians like Galen and Vesalius contributed to the growing body of scientific knowledge and refined or disproved theories from the past. Modern medical scientists are constantly searching for better ways to detect, diagnose and treat disease. They start with basic research in laboratories, such as using computer models to simulate tumour growth or testing the effectiveness of a new antibiotic. Then they move to clinical trials, in which participants are randomly allocated to treatment or control groups, and the outcomes are measured. Other medical fields are conservation medicine, which considers the impact on humans and non-human animals; disaster medicine; forensic medicine, which examines crime scenes to determine cause of death, type of weapon used and other physical evidence; and evolutionary medicine, which looks at gender differences in the incidence of disease. Many of these disciplines require specialised training and skills that can take decades to acquire. They all contribute to improving the quality of life for the world’s population. The medical field continues to be one of the most fascinating and rewarding areas of human endeavour.

Health is a state of physical, mental and social well-being that can be defined in many different ways. The concept of health has shifted over time, from the traditional biomedical definition based on absence of disease and infirmity to one focusing on well-being, resilience, balance and adaptability. The concept of health is an individual and personal journey shaped by a diverse range of factors that are constantly changing in response to local and global challenges. The most common definition of health is that used by the World Health Organization (WHO): “A state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” This definition aims to promote human well-being, including social and economic welfare, as opposed to the previous concept of a narrow view of health that only focused on the absence of diseases and infirmities. Whether a person chooses to define their health in terms of being free from illness, infirmity and disabilities or as an overall feeling of well-being, it is important that their choice is grounded in a sense of purpose and meaning in life. When people are able to achieve and sustain good mental, emotional and physical health they feel better about their lives and are more able to manage stress. Keeping a healthy diet, getting enough exercise and maintaining strong social networks are all important aspects of achieving and sustaining a sense of good health. It is also important that a person’s ability to achieve and maintain health is not limited by their access to medical care or by the availability of health-related services. This is a crucial insight that has helped to move health promotion away from focusing on specific diseases and conditions and towards the recognition that much of what influences a person’s health is not in their control or the control of formal health systems. For example, it is estimated that only about 5 years of the 30-year increase in life expectancy achieved during this century can be attributed to health care interventions. The remainder is a result of social and environmental factors that are beyond the control of medical and health care systems. This shift in understanding what makes for good health has important implications for both research and practice. It suggests that a more holistic perspective may allow researchers and practitioners to develop and test new ways of improving health by targeting the causes rather than treating the symptoms of a disease. It also encourages consideration of a wider array of targets for intervention, for example, by seeking to address the factors that lead teenagers to feel alienated from their communities and thus increase their risk of unintended pregnancy, alcohol and drug use, crime and school dropout.

Pharmacy is an essential part of healthcare, bridging the gap between medical science and patient care. It is a field that provides many opportunities for those with the right academic qualifications, such as a Master’s in pharmacy. Students can specialise in areas like experimental and clinical pharmacology, medicinal chemistry and pharmaceutical sciences. They can also gain competencies in managing health system pharmacy enterprise operations. This gives them a broad base of skills to support global health initiatives and improve patient outcomes. The first step to a rewarding career in pharmacy is writing the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT). This is an important part of your application, and can help you stand out from other candidates. Ensure you write your PCAT as early as possible to give yourself the best chance of an excellent score. You should also prioritize volunteer work and internships, as these will boost your application by providing a valuable professional experience in the sector. This will demonstrate your passion and dedication to your future career, which can make a big difference in getting accepted to the school of your choice. With a reputation as one of the leading pharmacy schools in the world, UMich’s world-class curriculum is complemented by a small, intimate classroom environment with a 4:1 student-faculty ratio and 85 students per class. The university also encourages experiential learning in its four-year PharmD program, which makes it an ideal option for prospective pharmacy students. UMich’s extensive research programs in the pharmaceutical and biomedical sciences also set it apart from other pharmacy schools. Its faculty members are leaders in their fields, and the school has been awarded many NIH grants to fund cutting-edge research. These projects allow students to engage in the latest developments in pharmaceutical and biomedical science, which can be beneficial for their future careers. Pharmacy has long been a cornerstone of healthcare in both the developed and developing worlds. Currently, it is a fast-growing and highly competitive industry. As chronic diseases continue to increase globally, there is a growing need for specialised pharmacy professionals who can help patients with their management through the effective use of medicines. Global leaders in pharmacy succeed by building trust, not just transactions. Their loyalty programs and community health drives help them to attract customers and promote their services. Malaysian pharmacies can follow suit by adapting strategies that match their local capabilities. This can include offering personalized care, community health drives and customer-centric services. These will not only attract new clients, but also build trust and loyalty in the existing clientele. This will ensure that pharmacists can play an increasingly vital role in the future of healthcare.

Cancer is a disease that starts when cells divide without control. It can spread to other parts of the body and form growths called tumors. These growths can damage the tissues around them and cause a wide range of symptoms. Different kinds of cancer affect different organs in the body. The type of treatment you get will depend on the kind of cancer you have and how far it has spread. Improvements in treatments and detection are making it possible for more people with cancer to live longer. Cancer occurs when genes that manage cellular growth and death change. A genetic mutation may be caused by certain viruses, pollution, radiation, medicines or something in the diet. The mutated gene may encourage cells to grow and divide more than they should or lead them to become cancerous (also referred to as oncogenic). Cells are the basic units of the body. They make up most of the blood, tissues and organs. Each cell is shaped slightly differently and has a specific function. For example, muscle cells are different from nerve cells. These differences give each type of cell its own unique properties. Cells can also take in other cells from outside the body or from other parts of the same tissue to help them work better. These other cells are called stromal cells. The normal way cells are organized in the body is that most of the cells differentiate into specialized cell types and then stop growing and dividing. Cells can also grow into new tissues and organs. This process is controlled by a series of signals from the body’s organ systems. Cells are programmed to die if they are damaged or no longer needed, but sometimes they fail to do this and continue to divide. Cancers are the result of a breakdown of this system. Because cancers are a result of a breakdown of the normal cells that control the body, they are not regulated in the same way as other parts of the body. This means that they are free from the normal cues that limit cell proliferation in multicellular organisms by limiting access to resources, space, crowding and accumulation of hazards like toxins. This independence from the normal control mechanisms does not mean that cancers are unlimited in their ability to grow and spread, however. Many types of cancer are limited in their ability to spread by a lack of nutrients, oxygen or other factors. Cancers can be treated by surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. These treatments can reduce or remove cancerous cells and relieve symptoms. Some cancers are also treated with drugs that can prevent the growth of new cancerous cells or keep existing cancerous cells from multiplying. In addition, some cancers can be prevented by eating a balanced diet that is low in fat and salt and by avoiding smoking. It is also important to get regular checkups and let your doctor know if you have any health problems that last more than two weeks.

Medical is the discipline concerned with human health and disease. It encompasses the art, science, and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing disease and disability, and maintaining physical and mental health. It also includes the promotion of health at the individual and community levels. A key component of medicine is determining the underlying cause of a patient’s symptoms (the diagnosis). The ability to determine a possible diagnosis is partly an art and partly a science, depending on the complexity of the problem and whether or not a diagnostic test is available. Some diagnoses can be made just by talking to the patient (the history), while others may require investigations such as blood tests or x-rays. Preventive medicine is the practice of promoting and maintaining health through regular checkups, immunizations, diet and lifestyle changes, and other interventions. This approach differs from traditional treatment approaches, which focus on the detection and management of established diseases or conditions. The history of medical practices dates back to prehistoric times, when people used herbs for medicinal purposes. From these early times, medical knowledge has been gathered through trial and error and passed on from generation to generation. Today, medical knowledge is based on both scientific research and experience. The study of the interaction between medicine and society is a major field of research in its own right. Some scholars examine how ancient and modern societies medicalized social problems, while others focus on the development of medical technology and biomedical science. In the United States, the medical profession is regulated by law at both state and federal level. The legal system provides for the licensing of physicians, dentists, pharmacists, nurses, and other practitioners, as well as establishing standards for education, training, and professional conduct. A major challenge in modern healthcare is ensuring that all patients receive the best possible care. This is a complex issue that requires the collaboration of many different stakeholders, including the government, private industry, and non-profit organizations. The need to provide high-quality care at an affordable cost is another important challenge facing the healthcare sector. Medical terminology is a language that combines Latin and Greek components to form words with specific meanings. The first component is the prefix, which modifies the meaning of the root word or phrase; for example, spondylo- is a Latin suffix that means vertebra, and it adds to the meaning of “itis,” an inflammation of a spinal bone. The suffix is the last component of the word, and it indicates a condition/disease, a procedure, an organ/tissue/stem cell/virus, or a function/characteristic/abnormality. To help you understand and learn medical terminology, we have developed an Intuitive Section that allows you to build and test your knowledge of medical terms using the same structure as a flash card. This interactive tool is perfect for speed learning and will help you memorize medical terms more quickly by testing your recall of them on a frequent basis.