Cancer simple definition
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Simple Definition of Cancer
Understanding Cancer: Uncontrolled Cell Growth
Cancer is fundamentally a disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of cells within the body. This definition aligns with the current understanding provided by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), which states: "Cancer is a disease in which some of the body's cells grow uncontrollably and spread to other parts of the body".
Transformed Cells and Evolution by Natural Selection
Recent insights into cancer biology suggest that this simple definition can be expanded to include the concept of "transformed" cells. These are cells that have undergone significant changes, allowing them to proliferate uncontrollably and metastasize, or spread, to other parts of the body. Additionally, cancer cells are subject to evolution by natural selection, meaning they accumulate genetic and epigenetic changes over time, which can lead to more aggressive and lethal forms of the disease.
Genetic Events and Chromosome Aberrations
Cancer can also be described as a series of genetic events occurring within a single clone of cells. These events often involve alterations in specific genes known as oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. Chromosome aberrations, which are consistent changes in the structure of chromosomes, are frequently associated with various types of cancer, including lung, colon, and breast cancers. These genetic changes play a crucial role in the development and progression of cancer by disrupting normal cellular functions.
Conclusion
In summary, cancer is a disease marked by the uncontrolled proliferation of transformed cells, which are subject to genetic and epigenetic changes through natural selection. This definition encapsulates the complex nature of cancer, highlighting both its cellular and genetic underpinnings .
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