What causes cancer

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Cancers are capable of spreading through the body by two mechanisms: local invasion and distant metastasis. Invasion refers to the direct migration and penetration by cancer cells into neighboring tissues. Metastasis refers to the ability of cancer cells to penetrate into lymphatic and blood vessels, circulate through the bloodstream, and then invade normal tissues elsewhere in the body. Cancer is most deadly when it metastasizes.

A cell that degenerates into a tumor cell does usually not acquire all these properties at once, but its daughter cells are selected to build them. This process is called cellular evolution. A first step in the development of a tumor cell is usually a small change in the DNA, often a point mutation, which leads, among other things, to a genetic instability of the cell. The instability increases to a point where the cell loses whole chromosomes, or has double ones. Also, the DNA methylation pattern of the cell changes, activating and deactivating genes more or less at random. Cells that divide at a high rate, such as stem cells, show a higher risk of becoming tumor cells than those which divide less or not at all, for example neurons. If the initial tumor cell (or group of tumor cells) is not removed by the immune system, it will develop into cancer.

Carcinogenesis (lit.: creation of cancer) is the process of derangement of the rate of cell division.

Cancer Forums
Online discussions on various types of cancers. Includes topics such as coping, support, clinical trials and treatment options.
Cancer Matters
Contains information, treatment options, and resources on a range of cancers. Also includes links to general resources, and a directory of services and resources located in a number of US cities.
CancerSupportChat.org
Presents access to online discussion, chat and support.
NetHealthBook: Cancer
Symptoms, diagnostic tests and treatments of the most common cancers are described.
Oncology Interactive Education Series
Commercial audio-visual educational resources for patients.

What causes cancer