Cancer
Cancer is a collective term for a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. In a healthy body, cells divide in a controlled manner to repair and renew tissues. However, with cancer, this process is unregulated, causing cancer cells to multiply rapidly and spread to other parts of the body, a process called metastasis.
What does cancer do to the body?
Cancer can affect different parts of the body, depending on the type and location of the disease. There are more than 100 different types of cancer, including lung cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer, and skin cancer.
- Local damage: Cancer cells can build up and form tumors, which can put pressure on surrounding tissues and organs, causing pain and loss of function.
- Metastasis: Some cancer cells can travel through the body through the blood or lymphatic vessels and settle in other parts of the body, such as the liver, lungs, bones, or brain, where they form new tumors.
- Withdrawal of nutrients: Tumors can steal nutrients from healthy cells and tissues, leading to weight loss, fatigue, and a weakened immune system.
- Immune system suppression: Cancer can suppress the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections and other diseases.
