What is Cancer?
Cancer is a term that nearly everyone recognizes, yet understanding what it truly is and how it forms can help us grasp the challenges it presents. It’s likely you know someone affected by cancer, as it’s a common and complex disease. So, how does cancer develop, and what makes it so dangerous?
The Basics: How Our Cells Work
Our bodies are made up of trillions of cells that perform specific functions. Normally, these cells grow, divide, and replace old or damaged cells through a controlled process called cell division. This keeps our bodies functioning and healthy.
However, sometimes this process breaks down. When this happens, cells can acquire DNA variants—changes in their genetic code—that cause them to grow abnormally. Instead of dying or repairing themselves, these cells continue to divide uncontrollably, leading to cancer.
What Is Cancer?
Cancer is a disease that occurs when some cells in the body lose their ability to function properly and start growing out of control. These abnormal cells often cluster together, forming masses called tumors. Tumors can develop in nearly any part of the body, depending on where the damaged cells are located. For example:
Lung cells with DNA variants can lead to lung tumors, potentially causing lung cancer.
This pattern is true for almost every organ and type of cell in the body.
Causes of Cancer
Cancer is primarily caused by DNA changes (variants) within cells. These changes can occur in two main ways:
Inherited DNA Variants: Some people inherit genetic changes from their parents that may increase their risk of developing cancer.
Spontaneous DNA Variants: The majority of cancer-causing DNA changes happen randomly over time and are not inherited. These occur due to factors such as aging, environmental exposures (like smoking or radiation), or even by chance during cell division.
Why is Cancer Dangerous?
Cancer becomes dangerous because of how tumors grow and spread. Here’s why:
Rapid Cell Growth: Tumor cells grow and divide faster than normal cells, increasing the chance of accumulating more harmful DNA changes.
Spreading to Other Organs: Cancerous cells can invade nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system—a process called metastasis.
Damage to Healthy Cells: As tumors grow, they interfere with the normal function of surrounding organs and tissues, causing significant harm.
Cancer is Not Just One Disease
One of the reasons cancer is so challenging to treat is that it’s not a single disease. Instead, it’s a collection of diseases, each caused by different combinations of DNA variants. This means that cancer can vary greatly from one person to another and even between different organs in the same person. As a result, treatments must often be tailored to the specific type of cancer and the individual patient.
A Hopeful Future
Despite its complexity, the global research community remains committed to finding new treatments and improving outcomes for cancer patients. Advances in technology, personalized medicine, and a deeper understanding of cancer’s biology are helping more people survive the disease than ever before.
Understanding what cancer is and how it develops is an essential step toward empowering patients and their families. By supporting ongoing research and raising awareness, we can continue to improve treatment options and work toward a future with better outcomes for all those affected by cancer.
Reference
About Dr. Sourabh Kharait
Dr. Sourabh Kharait (MD / PhD) is Clinical Nephrologist and Medical Director of Clinical Trials at Summit Nephrology Medical Group, and the Founder and CEO of IGH Naturals, a platform company that designs Functional Foods and Nutritional products for athletes and patients with chronic diseases.Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
For more information on how HuMOLYTE can support your gut health during chemotherapy, visit our product page or consult your health care provider.
This blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan, hydration strategies, or diet. The information provided here is based on general insights and may not apply to individual circumstances.
