What is cancer?

Simple Explanation

Your body is made up of trillions of cells. Normally, these cells grow, divide, and die in a controlled way.
Cancer happens when this control system breaks down.

What Actually Happens in Cancer

• Cells begin to grow too fast

• Cells do not stop dividing

• Abnormal (mutated) cells form a mass called a tumor

• Cancer cells can invade nearby tissues

• They can travel through blood or lymph to form new tumors (called metastasis)

Types of Cancer

There are many types, such as:

• Carcinoma (skin or organ lining)

• Sarcoma (bones, muscles)

• Leukemia (blood)

• Lymphoma (lymphatic system)

• Melanoma (skin pigment cells)

Is Cancer Always a Tumor?

No.
Some cancers like leukemia do not form solid tumors—they affect blood and bone marrow.

Why Does Cancer Happen?

Cancer can be caused by:

• DNA mutations

• Smoking

• UV radiation from the sun

• Unhealthy diet

• Infections (like HPV)

• Chemicals

• Genetic / inherited factors

Can Cancer Be Treated?

Yes. Common treatments include:

• Surgery

• Chemotherapy

• Radiation therapy

• Immunotherapy

• Targeted therapy