Introduction to Cancer

What is cancer?

The term “cancer” covers a significant group of diseases which result from the rapid growth of cell division of cancerous cells. Cancerous cells are different from normal cells as they do not follow the typical rules of a normal cell. These deadly cells multiply uncontrollably, do not undergo apoptosis (programmed cell death), move around, and grow faster than normal cells. Cancerous cells also form clusters known as tumors. Tumors can be benign or malignant. Benign tumors do not metastasize (spread), whereas malignant tumors can be deadly. Within tumors, there is a small subpopulation of stem cells known as cancer stem cells. These stem cells are capable of resisting traditional cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation. Cancer stem cells are believed to be the origin of cancer metastasis.