How is cancer so deadly?

As an expert in the field of oncology, I can explain the deadliness of cancer from a biological perspective. Cancer is a complex disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth and division of cells. This unregulated proliferation can lead to the formation of a mass of cells, known as a tumor. The deadliness of cancer is primarily due to its ability to spread and its resistance to conventional treatments. Here's a more detailed explanation: 1. Uncontrolled Cell Division: Cancer cells divide and grow without the normal regulatory signals that control cell growth in the body. This leads to the formation of tumors. 2. Evasion of the Immune System: Cancer cells can evade the body's immune system, which is designed to detect and destroy abnormal cells. 3. Invasion and Metastasis: Malignant cancer cells can break away from the primary tumor, enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system, and travel to other parts of the body to form new tumors. This process, known as metastasis, is a significant factor in cancer's deadliness. 4. Diversity and Adaptability: Cancer cells can become genetically diverse and adapt to their environment, making them difficult to target with treatments. 5. Resistance to Treatment: Over time, cancer cells can develop resistance to chemotherapy, radiation, and other treatments, which can limit the effectiveness of these therapies. 6. Resource Depletion: Tumors can consume a significant amount of the body's resources, leading to a decline in overall health and the body's ability to fight the disease. 7. Organ Failure: As tumors grow, they can press on and damage vital organs, potentially leading to organ failure. 8. Systemic Effects: Cancer can have wide-ranging effects on the entire body, causing systemic symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, and anemia.

Cancer cells share two basic properties. ... Malignant cells can break loose from the primary tumor, enter the bloodstream or lymphatic vessels, and form secondary tumors at other sites in the body. The more widely the cancer spreads, the harder it becomes to eradicate. This metastasis is what makes cancer so deadly.