Cancer is an uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells that can spread to other parts of the body. Cancer usually starts in one type of cell and then grows into other types of cells. Cancer is a disease that affects many parts of the body and can cause symptoms, such as pain, fatigue, nausea, or changes in appetite. It is also important to recognize warning signs of cancer, such as unexplained weight loss and unusual bleeding or bruising.

A person’s genetic makeup, or DNA, contains instructions that control the way that cells grow and die. Sometimes, these genes can become mutated. When this happens, the genes start to give the cells incorrect instructions. Mutations can be caused by certain diseases, such as inherited disorders, lifestyle choices, and exposure to radiation or chemicals. Some mutations can cause a person to have an increased risk of developing a certain type of cancer.

Each time a person’s cells divide, some of the new cells have a chance to develop genetic changes that increase their ability to grow and spread quickly. This is known as oncogenic mutation. Cancers develop when a series of these mutations accumulate over time and the cells continue to divide out of control. As the cancer cells grow and multiply, they can crowd out normal cells in the area and create a mass of tissue called a tumor. Some of the cancer cells can also travel through the blood or lymphatic system to other parts of the body and form new cancers there.

When a person has cancer, the cancer can destroy their organs and disrupt the body’s normal functions. In addition, the cancer can affect the person’s mental health and can impact their family and friends. Cancer is a very serious disease that causes about 10 million deaths each year.

Cancer can be cured with surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. People who have been treated for cancer may have a remission that lasts for years or even decades. However, it is important to know that cancer can come back and return at any time.

There is a lot of information about treatment options available from your health care team and other sources. It’s important to find out which sources are reliable and to pay attention to who is funding them or promoting them. This will help you avoid information that might be misleading or biased.