Cancer
Cancer in the context of medicine is a general term for any of a number of different diseases where some of the body's own cells have been damaged in such a way that their division, forming new cells, is no longer controlled (see apoptosis). The resulting cells can form a tumor (a neoplasm) or propagate throughout the body. Some cancers are caused by exposure to radiation or chemicals called carcinogens; others have genetic or infectious causes; the causes of most are unknown. Cancer has become an important problem with the rise in life expectancy. Though great progress in treatment has been made, many cancers remain incurable.
Forms of cancer include:
Cancer in astrology to one of the constellations of the zodiac, the crab. It's small and dim and doesn't look much like a crab, and is best noted among stargazers as the home of the beehive cluster. It lies between Gemini to the west and Leo to the east, Lynx to the north and Canis Minor and Hydra to the south. In Greek mythology, this corresponds to a brave little crab who tried to stop Hercules from defeating the Hydra and was squished for his efforts. Because this sign has a name with negative connotations, for a while in the 1980s, people born under this sign were called Moon Children.
In some cosmologies, Cancer is associated with the Classical Element Water, and thus called an Earth Sign (with Scorpio and Pisces).
Its polar opposite is Capricorn.
See also:
Zodiac signs : Aries -- Taurus -- Gemini -- Cancer -- Leo -- Virgo -- Libra -- Scorpio -- Sagittarius -- Capricorn -- Aquarius -- Pisces