It's hard-pressed to find someone who hasn't heard off let alone been affected by cancer in some way. However, as much as we have heard of cancer, a lot of us still don't know what it really is. Well now you're about to find out.

Cancer is quite simply a genetic disease which results in the abnormal growth of the same cells. As the cells multiply exponentially (2 -> 4 -> 8 -> 16), they eventually form a mass of cells which is called a tumour. That's where all the problem starts as the tumour begins to aggressively displace the healthy cells in the body and affects the normal bodily functions.

It's that simple. What cancer isn't though is this:

1. It isn't a nutritional problem.
2. It isn't a contagious disease.
3. It isn't an act of God sent to punish you for your sins.

As the Blogathon wears on, I'm going to explain it in a series of short but concise posts. After all, I am going to do this for 24 hours straight. Writing down facts for that long is not exactly the easiest thing in the world.

This year Footsteps in the Mirror will be blogging to raise money for the Association for International Cancer Research which is a non-profit organisation that helps fund cancer research throughout the world. If you're willing to help, you can sign up on the Blogathon website and pledge your amount right here. Help make a difference, no matter how small it may be.