Why is cancer so bad?

Cancer is considered to be a serious and often life-threatening condition due to several reasons: 1. Uncontrolled Cell Growth: Unlike normal cells, cancer cells multiply uncontrollably and do not undergo the normal processes of cell death (apoptosis), leading to the formation of a mass known as a tumor. 2. Invasion and Metastasis: Cancer cells can invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system in a process known as metastasis, which makes the disease more difficult to treat. 3. Damage to Healthy Tissues: As a tumor grows, it can damage healthy tissues and organs, disrupting their normal function. 4. Resource Drain: Cancer cells often consume a significant amount of the body's resources, which can lead to weight loss, fatigue, and a weakened immune system. 5. Treatment Side Effects: Treatments for cancer, such as chemotherapy and radiation, can have severe side effects that impact a person's quality of life and sometimes cause long-term health issues. 6. Psychological Impact: The diagnosis and treatment of cancer can have profound psychological effects on patients and their families, including stress, anxiety, and depression. 7. Economic Burden: The cost of cancer care can be substantial, placing a financial strain on individuals, families, and healthcare systems. 8. Mortality: Some types of cancer are particularly aggressive and can lead to death if not detected and treated early.

Cancer happens when cells that are not normal grow and spread very fast. Normal body cells grow and divide and know to stop growing. Over time, they also die. ... A growing tumor becomes a lump of cancer cells that can destroy the normal cells around the tumor and damage the body's healthy tissues.