What is Cancer

Cancer is a complex disease involving the abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells in the body. Unlike normal cells, which follow a regulated life cycle of growth, division, and death, cancer cells evade these controls, leading to continuous and unchecked proliferation. These cells can invade surrounding tissues, and, in many cases, spread to other parts of the body through a process called metastasis.

Cancer is categorized based on the type of cells it originates from and the part of the body it affects. The five major types of cancer are carcinomas, sarcomas, leukemias, lymphomas, and myelomas. 

• Carcinoma: Arises from epithelial cells that line the internal organs and body surfaces.
• Sarcoma: Develops in connective or supportive tissues, such as bones, cartilage, fat, muscles, or blood vessels.
• Leukemia:Starts in the blood-forming tissues (bone marrow), leading to the production of abnormal white blood cells.
• Lymphoma: Affects the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system.
• Lymphoma: Affects the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system.
• Melanoma: Develops in melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells in the skin.
• Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors: Cancers of the central nervous system.
• Neuroendocrine Tumors: Arise from neuroendocrine cells, which have features of both nerve and hormone-producing cells.
• Germ Cell Tumors: Develop from reproductive cells.